Awards Celebration

The Arts + Business Council’s annual awards program honors leaders in the Philadelphia region who embody and foster cross-sector collaboration between creative and business communities.

Over the past 36 years, the Arts + Business Council Awards have taken different forms to best recognize our region’s greatest leaders who embody and foster cross-sector collaboration between creative and business communities. We’re excited to continue our new tradition of bestowing individuals who are deeply engaged in the cultural community, whether through volunteerism, business, or nonprofit work, with the Leadership Award.

36TH ANNUAL AWARDS CELEBRATION: MAY 19, 2021

2021 Honorees

ANNE D’HARNONCOURT AWARD FOR ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE

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, Robert A.M. Stern Architects

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, JR. INDIVIDUAL LEADERSHIP AWARD

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

For her support of many of Philadelphia’s premier cultural institutions and her work as the director of the renowned Locks Gallery.

THE ARTS + BUSINESS COUNCIL LEADERSHIP AWARD

This award is bestowed upon individuals who demonstrate remarkable leadership, exceptional innovation, and a commitment to the community in Philadelphia. In 2021, ABC recognizes the following individuals, who were nominated by their peers and selected by the ABC Advisory Board.

ABIGAIL ADAMS (she/her/hers)
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 (she/her)
Emancipatory Artist: Vocalist, photographer, composer, educator, activist, and justice worker, 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 (she/her)
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.

Maràngeli Mejía-Rabell (she/her)
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.