Rockford Area Arts Awards

Lifetime Achievement: A list of potential awardees is generated by the Awards Committee and the award is decided by the Committee; the Committee is composed of Rockford Region artists, arts/culture organization representatives, and regional professionals. This is the only award that is decided by the Awards Committee.

Distinguished Artist of the Year: This individual is recognized as distinguished in their discipline, having made a significant contribution to the Rockford Region, through the arts, over their career. This is an honorary position for one year, during which the individual will serve as an arts ambassador for the Rockford Region.

Young Arts Ambassador: Recognizes an individual, between the ages of 13-18, who made a significant contribution to the Rockford Region, through the arts, in 2024. This is an honorary position for one year, during which the individual will serve as a youth ambassador in the Rockford Region.

Visual Artist of the Year: Recognizes an individual visual artist who demonstrated significant achievement in, or contribution to, the Visual Arts in the Rockford Region in 2024.

Performing Artist of the Year: Recognizes an individual performing artist or ensemble (music, dance, choreography, actor, etc) who demonstrated significant achievement in, or contribution to, the Arts in the Rockford Region in 2024.

Production of the Year: Awarded to an individual, business, ensemble, or organization that produced the best local theatre, film, media, or live production in the Rockford Region in 2023.

Innovation in the Arts Award: Awarded to an individual, business, or organization whose work in the Rockford Region pushed the traditional boundaries of the creative sector by use of new or emergent media, a new perspective on an old theme, or avant-garde integration in 2024.

Arts Educator of the Year: Awarded to a Rockford Region educator who has demonstrated exceptionalism in arts education either through a career of leadership and mentorship or through a specific student-led project in 2024.

Literary Excellence: Awarded to an individual, or agency, who has demonstrated exceptionalism in the literary arts through authorship, performance, and/or contribution to the overall literary community in the Rockford Region in 2024.

Placemaking + Spacemaking: Recognizes an individual, business, organization, public art installation, or event that enhanced life for Rockford Region residents, through the arts, in 2024.

Excellence in Service to the Arts Award – Individual: Recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution in support of the Arts in the Rockford Region in 2024.

Excellence in Service to the Arts Award – Organization/Company: Recognizes a business or organization that has made a significant contribution in support of the Arts in the Rockford Region in 2024.

In Memoriam: This award recognizes creatives who passed during 2024; a portion of the program will be dedicated to their memory. Please submit names, contact information, testimonials, and photos on our