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Since 1992, the Ordway has been bestowing honors on local arts instigators via the prestigious Sally Award. The annual awards are presented to “individuals and institutions that strengthen and enrich our entire state with their commitment to the arts and arts education.” Inspired by the “First Trust Award” presented in 1986 to Sally Ordway Irvine, whose vision inspired the conception of the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. The original award is permanently installed in the Ordway’s Marzitelli Foyer.

Only five awards will be dealt out to five inspiring Minnesota arts activists in the realms of vision, initiative, commitment, education and Arts Access. Who do you think is most influential individual or organization? How have they pushed local art and artists to flourish and excel or appreciators to engage in the local scene? The five categories are listed below:

Vision recognizes exemplary creative thinking and strategic leadership in support of a particular project or development of a body of work that will have long-term impact on the community. Examples include creation of new artistic/cultural opportunities, expanding access to the arts, or leading the community in new directions.

Initiative recognizes bold new steps taken by an established or emerging artistic or cultural individual/organization that has had a significant impact on strengthening Minnesota’s artistic/cultural community.

Commitment recognizes lifetime achievement, contribution and leadership in the arts and culture.

Education recognizes an individual/organization or particular project that has had a significant impact on education or mentoring in the arts and has contributed to increasing knowledge about the arts throughout the community.

Arts Access recognizes an individual/organization in their extraordinary efforts to increase the depth and breadth of citizen participation in the arts.

To read more about the Sally Awards visit the Ordway HERE. To nominate someone click HERE. Nominations are due by November 15th!