Arts Mid-Hudson - Dutchess County Executive's Arts Awards

The Dutchess County Executive, in collaboration with Arts Mid-Hudson, annually recognizes outstanding people and organizations that contribute to the artistic quality and vibrancy of Dutchess County. This is the 37th Anniversary of the Awards, originally founded by then Dutchess County Executive Lucille Pattison in 1986. The awardees are selected from public nominations and we invite you to nominate an individual, organization or business.

AWARDS CEREMONY – Details are still being finalized but the event will be held in person at a Dutchess County location to be determined, the first or second week of October.

Awards are offered in 10 categories this year: Arts Organization: rewards a Dutchess-based arts organization that has made an important contribution to the growth of Dutchess County’s cultural life over a significant period of time.

Business/Corporation: recognizes a Dutchess County business or corporation that has demonstrated extraordinary support of the arts and/or vision and leadership in using the arts to enhance community life and enrich Dutchess County’s cultural heritage.

Arts in Education: acknowledges a Dutchess-based educator, teaching artist, arts or educational administrator, school, school district, or organization that, through extraordinary vision and leadership, has expanded or enriched arts education opportunities to students in Dutchess County.

Individual Artist: recognizes an individual residing in Dutchess County, whose achievements in his/her discipline are widely recognized and who has demonstrated a compelling or unique artistic vision.

Art in Public Places: awards a Dutchess-based individual artist, arts organization, school, or community group that has successfully designed and installed a public art project.

Patron: recognizes an individual or family residing in Dutchess County, who has/have made a significant contribution to the arts through extraordinary leadership, personal financial commitment or philanthropic activities.

Artivist: Recognizes a Dutchess-based artist that generously engages the community through their work in the arts.

Volunteer: recognizes an individual residing in Dutchess County, who has made a significant contribution to the arts as a board member, volunteer, or through other services in the arts.

ThinkDIFFERENTLY in the Arts: this award recognizes an individual, business, or organization that follows the initiative launched by Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro that seeks to change the way our community relates to our neighbors with all abilities through the arts.

Youth with Exceptional Promise in the Arts: Recognizes a Dutchess County resident that is either a high school or college student and aged 16 through 22 as of October 15, 2023, working or studying in any arts discipline including visual, performing, literary, film/video, and computer, among others. The nominee must be available to attend the event. (Note: Supporting attachments are REQUIRED for nominations in this category.)

Community members will review nominations and select this year’s awardees using the following criteria: (note that not all criteria are applicable in all categories):

Artistic Excellence/Dedication – For artists and arts programs consider the track record and quality of the nominee’s art-related work. For arts supporters, consider their dedication to the arts or the arts community.

Impact – Consider the impact the nominee has had in Dutchess County and beyond, the extent to which the nominee brings positive recognition to Dutchess County and to which their actions have positively impacted the county’s arts and cultural scene.

Influence– Consider whether the nominee is visible and well connected. Will they be a draw for the event? Have their ideas positively influenced the Dutchess County arts and cultural scene?