Mayor Muriel Bowser hosted the 40th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards last night at the National Theatre in Downtown DC, recognizing local individuals and organizations for their contributions to the city’s arts and culture.
As per the Executive Office of the Mayor release, the ceremony was produced in collaboration with the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME) and the Creative Affairs Office (CAO). Two special mayoral awards were presented: Blues Alley received the Mayor’s Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement, and Gretchen Wharton received the Mayor’s Arts Award for Distinguished Honor for her role in expanding Art All Night into a citywide event.
Award recipients included Duke Ellington School of the Arts for Excellence in Arts Education, Rahsaan Bernard for Excellence as a Community Arts Philanthropist, Washington Performing Arts for Excellence in the Creative Industries, Derrick Rutledge for contributions to the Fashion and Beauty Industries, EU Featuring Sugar Bear for Excellence in Go-Go Music, and UDC College of Arts & Sciences for Excellence in the Humanities.
The Hirshhorn Teens Emerging Artists Program received the Emerging Creative Award. DC SCORES, Sarah-mari, and Londen Jones tied for Excellence in Youth Creativity. Susie Dumond received the Larry Neal Writers Award for contributions to literature. Metrobar and Vinoda Basnayake received the Award for Excellence in the Nightlife Economy.
The event featured performances by Black Alley, The Washington Ballet, and DJ Chris Styles, with local leaders and national figures participating as hosts and presenters.
