Please Note
This is the page for the Annual Awards. If you would like to make a nomination for the Hall of Fame, please go HERE.
The Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance is soliciting nominations for individuals and/or organizations who have significantly contributed to the arts and cultural community in Polk County during the past year (2023). These awards are ANNUAL awards that serve to honor people and organizations within Polk County that are advancing the arts & cultural community through dedicated service.
Nominators should be aware of the following:
- Nominees should be working in Polk County
- Nominees should be reflective of recent/current work that best reflects broad efforts to advance arts and cultural opportunities in Polk County
- Nominators do NOT have to make a nomination in all of the categories listed below
- Award winners will have $500 given to their respective organizations in their name
Nomination Timeline
Award Nominations are open from April 1 – May 15, 2024
Award Nominations are open from April 1 – May 15, 2024
Award Categories
Arts/Cultural Organization of the Year
Honors an arts and/or cultural organization for their work in their respective communities AND recognizes outreach efforts that promote Polk as an arts and/or cultural destination. Awardees could include nonprofit organizations, creative industry organizations, or local municipalities that meet the expectations of this award.
2023 Recipient: Theatre Winter Haven
Arts/Cultural Philanthropist of the Year
This award is presented to an organization or individual whose philanthropic support of arts and cultural programming has advanced the status of Polk County as an arts/cultural destination.
2023 Recipient: Citizens Bank & Trust
Volunteer of the Year
Honors an arts/cultural volunteer for their work within a specific organization – especially recognizes work that reaches beyond the specific organization for which they served in an effort to assist multiple arts and/or cultural organizations.
2023 Recipient: Troy Dalsimer, Lake Wales Arts Council
Arts/Cultural Educator of the Year
This award recognizes a local arts or cultural educator for their work with students. Awardees may be public/private school teachers, higher-ed teachers, or private art teachers.
2023 Recipient: Shelby Montgomery
Rising Star Award
Honors an individual who works to advance the arts/cultural community – specifically honors those who seeks to expand Polk’s reputation as an arts/cultural destination. Awardees may be volunteers or paid staff of local arts and cultural organizations.
2023 Recipient: Ellen Chastain, Art Crawl
Art for Good Award
Honors an individual or organization who uses arts and/or cultural programming or events to create a better community for the citizens of Polk County
2023 Recipient: Joe Tedder, Kids Tag Art
Nominate HEREThe Nomination Form can be found HERE
Nominate HERE
The Nomination Form can be found HERE
The Polk Arts & Culture Hall of Fame Gala presented by CORE Wealth Advisors is set for October 15, 2024 at Nora Mayo Hall in Winter Haven. Tickets for the event will be available in August.
