It was just 30 years ago that art-loving entrepreneur Ray Nasher added a new twist to his Business Council for the Arts. It was called the Obelisk Awards that would “recognize companies and leaders in business and the arts for their invaluable contributions supporting the arts and culture in North Texas.”
Word just arrived about plans for the 30th anniversary Obelisk Awards Luncheon that is being chaired by Victoria and Hunter McGrath. It will be held at Belo Mansion on Friday, November 16, with Ray’s daughter Nancy Nasher and her husband David Haemisegger serving as honorary co-chairs.
According to BCA Board of Directors Chair Rick Del Monte, “When we reflect on Obelisk Award honorees of the last three decades, collectively they provide a rich history of the corporate art patronage that has made Dallas-Fort Worth one of the most vibrant cultural centers in the nation. During our 30th anniversary year, we are proud to continue our tradition of celebrating businesses and individuals who are advancing the arts today.”
But what’s an awards celebration without awardees? That’s why the shout-out has been made for nominations to be submitted. They may be made by any individual, organization, business or group, but they have to be in by Wednesday, May 2. The submission forms are here!
The award categories include:
For businesses:
- The New Initiatives Award recognizes businesses for supporting an innovative arts/cultural program created within the past three years. Awards are given to one large, medium and small business each.
- The Arts Partnerships Award recognizes businesses that have provided sustained support to an arts/cultural organization for three or more years. Awards are given to one large, medium and small business each. A business may only win the Arts Partnership Award once every two years.
- The Arts Education Award recognizes one outstanding business for its support of arts education programs.
For individual business leaders:
- The Business Champion for the Arts Award recognizes long-term leadership and commitment to arts/culture by a business executive (president, CEO, partner).
- The Outstanding Leadership Arts Alumnus Award recognizes outstanding board leadership and commitment by a graduate of the Leadership Arts Institute.
For individual arts/cultural leaders:
- The Visionary Nonprofit Arts Leader Award recognizes an arts leader who has consistently demonstrated vision, impact, innovation, and successful alignment with business and community partners throughout their tenure.
For nonprofit arts/cultural organizations:
- The Distinguished Cultural Organization Award is given by Neiman Marcus to recognize one outstanding nonprofit organization for a project or program that has enhanced the community through partnership with a business.
Remember, time’s a-wastin. So get those nominations in before the May 2 deadline.
* Photo provided by Business Council for the Arts