Arts Leadership Award Program

The annual Arts Leadership Awards Program is an opportunity for the County to recognize individuals for their achievements and contributions impacting the arts community and residents of Alameda County. The program began in 2003 and has recognized over 100 individuals. Each year, the award recipients are recognized by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors in October in conjunction with National Arts and Humanities Month.

Announcing the 2023 Arts Leadership Award Recipients

The Alameda County Arts Commission is pleased to recognize seven individuals for their achievements and contributions impacting the arts community and residents of Alameda County. The 2023 Alameda County Arts Leadership Award recipients are:

Chris Carter, Representing Alameda County Supervisorial District One
Alvin Minard, Representing Alameda County Supervisorial District One
Carol Morgan, Representing Alameda County Supervisorial District Two
Debby Kajiyama and José Ome Mazatl (two-person team), Representing Alameda County Supervisorial District Three
Patricia Doyne, Representing Alameda County Supervisorial District Four
Ellen Lake, Representing Alameda County Supervisorial District Five

The seven award recipients will be honored by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors with commendations presented in conjunction with the County’s celebration of October as National Arts and Humanities Month.  The commendations will be presented during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting on Tuesday, October 3, at approximately 11:00am. Members of the public may participate in-person at the Board Chambers located at 1221 Oak Street, 5th Floor, Oakland. Alternatively, members of the public may choose to view the meeting and participate remotely through Zoom teleconferencing. For information, please visit the Alameda County Board of Supervisors’ website at bos.acgov.org.

Each year the Members of the Alameda County Arts Commission review nominations submitted by the public for the Arts Leadership Award program and then select the award recipients. During the Arts Commission’s selection process, there was a tie-vote. This resulted in awarding two individuals for District One. Additionally, a two-person team was selected for District Three. In total, seven individuals are receiving the 2023 Arts Leadership Award. The Alameda County Arts Commission acknowledges all of the nominees for their leadership in the arts and for their service to our community. Additionally, the Arts Commission thanks the Alameda County community members who submitted nominations.

2023 Arts Leadership Award Program Press Release.

Nominate a Leader in the Arts Community

Alameda County community members are invited to submit nominations to this annual program. The next nomination period will be from January 15 – May 15, 2024. Nominees must be residents of Alameda County and involved in an arts discipline including, but not limited to, music, dance, visual arts, literature, theater, film and video, traditional crafts and folk arts, and new media. Nominees must be affiliated with an Alameda County arts organization through their role as an artist, staff person, board member, teacher, volunteer, donor, supporter, advocate, etc. Nomination instructions will be posted here in January 2024.

Learn about Arts Leadership Award Recipients

Use this searchable database to find and learn about current and past award recipients. You can enter a person’s name, a year dating back to 2003, or an Alameda County Board of Supervisors District such as District 1. Additionally, you can click on a year below to see a list of recipients for that year. Also, you can view and download a document with a complete list of past recipients.

2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2016 • 2015 • 2014 • 2013 • 2012 • 2011 • 2010 • 2009 • 2008 • 2007 • 2006 • 2005 • 2004 • 2003