The Arts + Business Council is pleased to announce its 2021 lineup of awards honorees, local artists and arts community leaders who embody and foster cross-sector collaboration between creative and business communities. The awards will be presented at the 36th Annual Arts + Business Council Awards virtual celebration on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

LEADERSHIP AWARD HONOREES
These awards are bestowed upon individuals who are deeply engaged in the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Community. Recipients must demonstrate remarkable leadership, exceptional innovation, and a commitment to their community.

Abigail Adams
Executive Artistic Director, People’s Light
For cultivating a love of theatre in her community through decades of excellent leadership and expanding People’s Light to become a cultural and civic center with theatre at its core.

Allan Edmunds
Founder-President, Brandywine Workshop and Archives (BWA)
For innovation and high achievement in the arts and bridging access to the arts to underserved communities; for advocating for support for artists from diverse communities.

Ruth Naomi Floyd
Vocalist, photographer, composer, educator and activist, Frederick Douglass Jazz Works
For a dedicated approach to educating students at the intersection of music and art with culture and community through the lens of justice.

Kathleen Greene
Curator of Public Programs, Barnes Foundation
For curating art programs with a commitment to celebrating diversity and inclusion and infusing the true diversity of the region in the creative community.

Aviva Kapust
Executive Director, The Village of Arts and Humanities
For forging a new, legible path for arts organizations to engage in community economic development and advocating for equitable revitalization in underserved urban communities.

Marangeli Mihia-Rabell
Festival Director, Philadelphia Latino Film Festival
For lifting community media practices, cultural organizing, intersectionality, accessibility and diversity to bring about positive change and new representation.

Maida R. Milone
Chair, Board of Directors, CFEVA
For service in stabilizing nonprofit organizations for over 40 years and developing new approaches for supporting artistic practice.

Jay Wahl
Former Producing Artistic Director, Kimmel Center
For using unconventional platforms as a means of challenging the hierarchies, assumptions, and biases of traditional arts organizations.

ANNE D’HARNONCOURT AWARD FOR ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE HONOREE
This prestigious award is bestowed upon an artist who has achieved national or worldwide acclaim, embodies artistic achievement and serves as an inspiration to the Greater Philadelphia region both as an artist and a leader.

Robert A.M. Stern – Architect, Teacher, and Writer
For his contribution to Philadelphia’s architectural vitality, and for his lifetime dedication to American architectural history and education. Mr. Stern’s firm’s notable projects in Philadelphia include Comcast Center, the Museum of the American Revolution, the master plan for and buildings at the Navy Yard, two residential towers, and several university buildings.

G. FRED DIBONA AWARD HONOREE
This honorable award is bestowed upon individuals in the Greater Philadelphia region who have distinguished themselves as leaders in the arts, culture, or creative sectors.

Sueyun Locks – Director & Lecturer, Locks Gallery, Trustee, Philadelphia Museum of Art
In recognition of her support of many of Philadelphia’s premier cultural institutions and her work as the director of the renowned Locks Gallery.

Arts + Business Council Awards Celebration Sponsors

Visionary Sponsor
Independence Blue Cross
Comcast Corporation
PNC Arts Alive

Leadership Sponsor
PECO

Co-Sponsor
Meridian Bank
TD Bank, N.A.
Cozen O’Connor
YPTC

Supporting Sponsor
HOK