(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that nominations will open tomorrow, August 20, for the 40th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards, DC’s premier celebration honoring the artists, visionaries, and cultural changemakers who power the District’s creative economy. From Wednesday, August 20 through Friday, August 29, DC residents are invited to submit nominations for local artists, educators, nonprofits, and patrons of the arts and humanities who have made a lasting impact in the DC community. The Mayor’s Arts Awards feature 15 distinct categories, and all nominations and awardees, with the exception of the “Distinguished Honor Award” and the “Award for Lifetime Achievement,” will be chosen by residents across all eight wards.
“For 40 years, the Mayor’s Arts Awards have recognized the powerful role that artists, culture bearers, and creative entrepreneurs play in shaping our city,” said Mayor Bowser. “Our creative economy is more than just entertainment — it’s a driver of jobs, tourism, innovation, and culture, and this year’s milestone celebration is a testament to DC’s deep artistic legacy.”
This year’s awards mark a milestone in DC’s cultural history: forty years of honoring the creatives who define the art and soul of the city. The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, September 25, and will be a night of elegance and inspiration, showcasing the very best of the District’s thriving arts scene.
“Washington, DC is the capital of culture, cool, and creativity — and the 40th Mayor’s Arts Awards will be a shining example of why,” said LaToya Foster, Director of the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment and DC Film Commissioner. “This isn’t just a show — it’s a movement. Our creatives are fueling a billion-dollar industry, and this ceremony is our way of honoring their unmatched brilliance and contribution to the city.”
DC’s creative economy generated over $15 billion in economic activity and supported more than 50,000 workers in 2023, according to the from the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Mayor’s Arts Awards highlight the individuals and institutions behind that growth, and behind the cultural enrichment of the District.
DC residents are encouraged to participate by nominating their favorite creatives across a range of categories. Self-nominations are also welcomed. Visit to nominate DC creatives in the categories listed below:
Mayor's Arts Awards Nomination Categories
- Award for Excellence in Arts Education
- Award for Excellence as a Community Arts Philanthropist
- Award for Excellence in the Creative Industries
- Award for Excellence in Fashion and Beauty Industries
- Award for Excellence in Go-Go Music
- Award for Excellence in the Humanities
- Award for Excellence in Media Arts
- Award for Excellence in Nightlife
- Award for Excellence in Performing Arts
- Award for Excellence in Visual Arts
- Award for Excellence in Youth Creativity
- Emerging Creative Award
- Larry Neal Writers’ Award
Nomination Round: Nominations can be submitted from 10 am on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 through 11:59 pm on Friday, August 29, 2025 at .
Voting Round: Public voting will take place from 10 am on Monday, September 8, 2025 through 11:59 pm on Monday, September 15, 2025 at .
Winners will be announced at the 40th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards ceremony on September 25, 2025. Residents are invited to attend this annual free event. For updates and details, please visit .
In addition to the Mayor’s Arts Awards, September’s 202Creates Month will feature events and activations honoring, celebrating, and elevating the creative spirt of DC’s arts community throughout the entire month. Visit for information on other free, family-friendly arts and cultural events happening in September.
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