Arts + Business Council Awards Celebration - Arts + Business Council for Greater Philadelphia

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.

As we all adjust to the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders and the realities of social distancing, we’re shifting our annual Awards Celebration to a virtual experience. Just as we have in the past, we hope to bring together members of these communities to strengthen the network of leaders, volunteers, artists, organizations, and partnerships and to illustrate the contribution of the arts to our city and its residents.

Join us for this unique experience on June 11 as we virtually gather business, legal, technology, and creative professionals for a lunchtime celebration of the exceptional leaders who drive change and innovation in our communities.

VIRTUAL AWARDS CELEBRATION
JUNE 11, 2020

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