2026 Arts Awards Coming June 10th

2026 Arts Awards Nomination Categories

The Charlotte Mouquin Rising Star Award
Presented to a young, emerging fine artist, performing artist, or literary artist who demonstrates exceptional creativity, skill, and passion within their discipline. This award recognizes an artist whose work shows strong promise for future impact and who is already beginning to connect people, ideas, and communities through their creative practice.

Arts Leadership Award
Presented to an individual, such as an arts educator, volunteer, arts administrator, nonprofit board member, or business leader, who has demonstrated visionary leadership within the arts. This award honors those whose dedication to supporting artists and fostering creativity has strengthened collaboration, built meaningful connections, and advanced the arts in Rockland County.

Literary Artist Award
Presented to a writer in recognition of exceptional achievement in the literary arts and/or a deep commitment to advancing literature in Rockland County. This award celebrates literary artists who use the written word to connect voices, spark dialogue, and build understanding within and across communities.

Music Artist Award
Presented to a musical performer, songwriter, or composer who exhibits distinctive talent and artistic excellence. This award honors musicians whose work elevates the appreciation of music in Rockland County while serving as a powerful connector, bringing people together through shared listening, performance, and cultural expression.

Performing Artist Award
Presented to a performer whose outstanding talent and compelling presence have significantly enriched the cultural life of our community through theater, dance, or other performance-based art forms. This award recognizes artists who engage audiences, foster connection, and inspire a deeper appreciation for the performing arts in Rockland County.

Visual Artist Award
Presented to an individual who exemplifies excellence in the visual arts which includes art forms that are primarily experienced through sight.  Examples of these art forms include fine arts (painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics); digital based arts (photography, digital art, video art, animation); fiber and craft-based arts (textile art, fiber art, weaving, quilting, embroidery); design and applied visual arts (graphic design, illustration, fashion design/art); cross-disciplinary arts (mixed media, assemblage, collage). This award honors artists with a distinctive vision and high level of skill whose cohesive body of work not only reflects artistic mastery but fosters connection, sparks dialogue and engages the community.