Springfield to Honor Local Arts Community

The Springfield Area Arts Council and the City of Springfield will recognize 31 nominees for their contributions to the arts during a ceremony at the Hoogland Center for the Arts on Wednesday, Nov. 18.

The 2026 Mayor’s Awards for the Arts will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Hoogland Center, located at 420 S. Sixth St. The event is held every two years to recognize individuals, businesses and organizations that contribute to arts and cultural programs in Sangamon and Menard counties.

This year's honorees represent several areas of the local arts community, including education, literature, visual arts and performing arts. The awards also recognize those who support artistic opportunities through volunteer work, financial contributions and community involvement.

The Mayor’s Awards for the Arts date back to 1985 and include eight categories. Awards are presented to an Arts Educator, Arts Organization, Arts Volunteer, Business Supportive of the Arts, Exceptional Arts Student, Individual Literary Artist, Individual Performing Artist and Individual Visual Artist.

A committee of five individuals was responsible for selecting this year's recipients. The panel included City of Springfield Communications Director Amanda Brown; playwright, director and actor Timothy Crawford; Springfield Area Arts Council board member and musician Jace Kim; Illinois Senate President's Office legislative assistant Geri Mollohan; and Riverton High School art educator and visual artist Austin Wells.

Crawford and Wells were both recognized during the 2024 Mayor’s Awards for the Arts, with Crawford receiving the Individual Performing Artist award and Wells receiving special recognition.

Bella Szabo, Executive Director of the Springfield Area Arts Council, said the ceremony recognizes not only the artists themselves but also the individuals and organizations responsible for providing opportunities to participate in the arts.

“The Mayor’s Awards give us a chance to recognize the people who have been doing the work of keeping the arts vibrant in our communities,” Szabo said. “Artists need places to work and perform. Young people need teachers and opportunities. Organizations need volunteers, audiences, and resources. Our cultural communities need people willing to keep opening doors for one another. We are proud to recognize our exceptional art community alongside the City of Springfield.”

The Hoogland Center for the Arts, which will host the ceremony, was among the organizations honored in 2024. The facility received the Arts Organization award for its role in providing space for performances, exhibitions and other community activities.

Recipients at this year's ceremony will be presented with awards handmade by Rosie Gale, who owns Ceramics Made by Rosie.

The November event will also recognize the centennial of Route 66, with organizers incorporating the highway's history into the evening's activities. Guests are invited to dress according to a "Route 66 After Dark" theme, with suggested styles including formal evening attire, western clothing and fashion inspired by mid-20th-century America.

In addition to presenting the awards, the Springfield Area Arts Council plans to announce details of a new organizational identity that will be introduced in January 2027.

The planned changes come as the organization looks to broaden its work with artists and arts organizations throughout the Springfield area. Its priorities include developing partnerships, expanding public access to cultural activities and creating additional opportunities for local artists.

“For 50 years, this organization has helped connect people to the arts,” Szabo said. “We are proud of that history. We are also thinking seriously about what the next 50 years require from us, and how we can be an even stronger partner to artists, organizations, and communities throughout this region.”

Information about the ceremony, including attendance and sponsorship opportunities, can be found at springfieldartsco.org/mayors-awards-for-the-arts.