
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.
2020 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. The honoree for this award will be announced by Arts + Business Council staff in 2020.

LORENE CARY
Playwright, Author, Educator, & Social Activist
For her numerous literary contributions, including Ladysitting and Black Ice, among others; her recent theatrical debut, My General Tubman; her founding of the nonprofit organization, Art Sanctuary; and her tenure at the University of Pennsylvania in the English and Africana Studies departments.

JENNIFER WEINER
Writer, Author, & Journalist
For her contributions as a New York Times bestselling novelist, including the books Mrs. Everything and In Her Shoes, among others; and for her nonfiction commentary championing women.
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. The honoree for this award will be announced by Arts + Business Council staff in 2020.
DR. CONSTANCE CLAYTON
Educator and Civic Leader
For her historic legacy as superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, board work with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and support of PAFA through a donation of 78 works by diverse artists
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 2020, ABC recognizes the following nine individuals, who were nominated by their peers and selected by the ABC Advisory Board.

DAVID BRADLEY
Co-Founder and Producing Director of Arts & Learning, LiveConnections
For socially engaged music-making via commissions, artist residencies, music education, and concerts

VASHTI DUBOIS
Founder & Executive Director, The Colored Girls Museum
For outstanding dedication to women and girls of color, and providing agency and visibility for the practices and histories of artists often excluded from the canon

SARA JANE “SALLY” ELK
President & CEO, Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
For spearheading efforts to revitalize Eastern State Penitentiary as a space of both contemporary social education and art

ANNE EWERS
President & CEO, Kimmel Center
For continued excellence leading the Kimmel Center, and launching new programs such as the Jazz & Theater Residency, the Education Strategic Plan for Growth and other initiatives

JAMES FULTON
President & Business Principal, Fury Design
For his role as the Chair of the Clay Studio Capital Campaign, helping to raise $6.1 million to build a new home for the Clay Studio

LOVETT HINES
Artistic Director, Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts
For service educating over 30,000 students in the art of music for over 25 years

SCOTT MIRKIN
Executive Producer, ESM Productions
For contributions to Philadelphia’s creative economy through large-scale entertainment events and mentorship of small-business leaders

HAL REAL
Founder & CEO, World Cafe Live
For innovation in founding and sustaining World Cafe Live as an independent venue, and partnerships with WXPN and the University of Pennsylvania, among others

LISA COLLINS VIDNOVIC
Founder & Director, Metropolitan Ballet Company
For cultivating a love of dance in young people, in particular through the Boys’ Scholarship Program and a partnership with the School District of Philadelphia
Past Winners
In its 35 years, the Arts + Business Council Awards have taken different forms to best recognize leaders who embody and foster cross-sector collaboration between creative and business communities. Along the way, some award categories have been added to highlight specific verticals within our communities while other categories have been retired to make room for new, innovative ideas.
2019
Quiara Alegría Hudes, Playwright & Author
David B. Devan, General Director & President, Opera Philadelphia
2018
Joan Myers Brown, Founder, Philadanco!
Jane Golden, Founder, Executive Director, Mural Arts
Meryl Levitz, Founding President & CEO, Visit Philly
2017
Kevin Hart, Comedian, Actor, & Writer
2016
Tariq Luqmaan Trotter aka Black Thought, The Roots
2015
Gene Shay, WXPN, Philadelphia Folk Festival
2014
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2019
Integral Molecular and University City Science Center
2018
Reed Smith LLP + Village of Arts and Humanities
2017
2016
Century 21 Department Store + Moore College of Performing Arts & Design
2015
Elixr Coffee + Individual Artists / SEI + Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
2014
The Resources Exchange + Revolution Recovery / Philadelphia Airport + Regional Artists
2019
Jennifer Pouchot, Vice President, Digital & Creative, SEI | Board: The Painted Bride
2018
Jeffrey Holder, Jeffrey Holder Photography | Board: InLiquid Art + Design
2017
Edmond Ghisu, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation | Board: Rock to the Future
2016
Frances Feldbaum, St. Clair CPA Solutions | Board: BalletX
2015
Karen Greene, Amerisource Bergen | Board: Philadelphia Young Playwrights
2014
2019
John Chionchio, Partner, Ballard Spahr, LLP and Patrick Brady, Attorney, Ballard Spahr, LLP | Volunteered with Intercept Nexus, LLC
2018
Robert Louis, Saul Ewing LLP | Volunteered with Whitemarsh Art Center
2017
Sekou Campbell, Law Offices of Sekou Campbell | Volunteered with Individual Artist Rashida Holmes
2016
Dennis McCooe, Blank Rome LLP | Volunteered with Danco Furniture
2015
Jonathan S. Ziss, Goldberg Segalla LLP | Volunteered with Individual Artist
2014
James Holman, Duane Morris | Volunteered with Individual Artist Joanna Manousis
2019
2018
William Haines, Pennsylvania Trust | Volunteered with ArtWell
2017
Christine Ostrowski, School District of Philadelphia | Volunteered with Rock to the Future
Edward P. Pazicky, EPP Consulting | Volunteered with The Artblog, inc
2015
Audrey Klijan, Independent Consultant | Volunteered with Hedgerow Theatre
2014
David Othmer, WHYY | Volunteered with Upper Darby Arts & Education