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.

Now Accepting Nominations for the 2024 Arts Leadership Awards

Deadline: Wednesday, May 15, 2024

The Alameda County Arts Commission invites County residents to submit nominations for the 2024 Alameda County Arts Leadership Awards. Nominations are due on May 15 and must be submitted online.

This annual program enables the Alameda County Arts Commission to recognize five individuals, one from each of the five districts of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, for their outstanding achievements and contributions impacting the arts community and the residents of Alameda County.

Nominees must be residents of Alameda County and involved in an arts discipline including, but not limited to, music, dance, visual art, literature, theater, film and video, traditional craft and folk art, 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. For complete details, please review the online nomination instructions.

Alameda County community members may each submit one nomination. Nomination statements must include a description of the nominee’s major achievements in the arts that have benefited the community and residents of Alameda County; the impact and results of the achievements; and other background information about the nominee’s contributions to the Alameda County arts community such as what distinguishes the nominee from their peers and colleagues.

It is anticipated that the Members of the Alameda County Arts Commission will review the nominations in June and the award recipients will be recognized by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors in early October as part of the County’s celebration of National Arts and Humanities Month.

Last year’s 2023 Alameda County Arts Leadership Award recipients:

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

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