ABOUT THE AWARDS
Art Spark Texas annually honors and centers artists with disabilities in the field of visual art, dance, music, performance, craft, media and writing. Each year, awards are given to Texas artists who embody the spirit and vision of Art Spark Texas, and who challenge the perceptions of how people contribute by demonstrating artistic excellence or demonstrating a substantial body of work, or by leading the way as a community catalyst for change through their artistry.
Learn more about the categories below. Email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Become an Artist of the Year Awards Sponsor!
For more information, please contact [email protected]
Nominating Categories
Click on the tabs to read more about the nominating categories
The Haven Street-Allen Artist of the Year Award honors an individual whose work affirms that the power of an artistic spirit, combined with determination and will, can influence and shape our society. Each year, this award is given to an artist with a disability in Texas who embodies the vision of Art Spark Texas. Through a selfless effort and/or body of work, this artist models inclusion and serves as a catalyst for change. Nominations are open to artists in any discipline, including but not limited to visual art, dance, music, performance, craft, media and writing. This award is named for former Board member Forrest Haven Street-Allen and honors her commitment to create positive change in the lives of people with disabilities.
For more information call (512) 454-9912 or email [email protected]
The Lynn Marie Johnson Media Arts Award honors an artist who displays passion and commitment to the promotion and awareness of people with disabilities in our digital world. Each year, this award is given to an artist with a disability in Texas whose work as producer, artist, writer, director or other creative in the media arts embodies the mission of Art Spark Texas. Nominations are open to artists who work in video, film, photography, television, radio, social media, or other related fields. This award is named for former staff member Lynn Marie Johnson and reflects her unwavering advocacy for artists with disabilities in the media arts.
For more information call (512) 454-9912 or email [email protected]
The SPARK Award honors an up-and-coming artist who represents the inclusive, arts-inspired world that Art Spark Texas works to create every day. Each year, this award is given to an emerging Texas artist with a disability whose infectious and innovative spirit shifts perceptions of what people with disabilities can achieve. Nominations are open to any emerging artist in any discipline, including but not limited to visual art, dance, music, performance, craft, media and writing. Small but mighty, a spark – when nurtured and cared for – can fuel great things.
For more information call (512) 454-9912 or email [email protected]
The Gloria Bond Creative Aging Award honors an older artist who continues to express their creativity and/or demonstrates a willingness to explore new art forms as they age. Each year, this award is given to a Texas artist who exemplifies the vital aging philosophy of Art Spark Texas. Nominations are open to any individual over the age of 65 years in any discipline, including visual art, dance, music, performance, craft, media and writing. This award is named in honor of Gloria Bond, a mother who began her painting career after raising her family, and who instilled her love for the arts in everyone she touched throughout her life.
For more information call (512) 454-9912 or email [email protected]
Art Spark Texas Creative Veteran Service Award honors a Texas veteran artist who continues their service in the community through the arts.
Rules and Eligibility
Who is eligible to submit a nomination for an award?
Anyone can nominate. We also welcome self-nominations and encourage you to nominate someone you know!
Who is eligible to receive an award?
Award nominees are not required to be affiliated with Art Spark Texas. Eligibility includes all artists with disabilities, who live or work in Texas, ages 16 and up. Visual art, 2D and 3D, media, dance, music, drama, poetry, literature, video, and photography (to name a few) are all welcome. Art Spark Texas staff and Board members are not eligible to receive awards. See award descriptions below for specific eligibility.
How will the awardee be selected?
A panel of judges will jury the nominations. The judges will review nominations based on each nominee’s eligibility and the nominee's contribution to the arts. The winner will exhibit the guidelines described in each awards’ criteria. Review the award descriptions below to learn more about the specific selection method.
What do the awardees receive?
Awardees will receive an honorarium, custom plaque commemorating artistic achievement, recognition as a featured artist on the Art Spark Texas' website and social media, and an invitation to attend our annual event as a guest of honor to be publicly recognized for their achievements.
All Photographs taken by Steven Rogers Photography
"Yesterday I had the honor of providing the music entertainment for the 8th Annual Art Spark Texas Artist of the Year Awards at the Long Center in Austin. The ceremony was such a powerful reminder of how the arts can build equity, inclusion, and connection... Sharing music in a space that celebrates creativity, community, and disability advocacy was truly inspiring." - Alexia McLean
PREVIOUS WINNERS
HAVEN ALLEN ARTIST OF THE YEAR AWARD
SPARK AWARD
DIRECTOR’S COMMENDATION AWARD
LYNN MARIE JOHNSON MEDIA ARTS AWARD
HPUMC Spotlight Academy of the Arts, 2024
Valois Vera (Crip Lyrical), 2023