EVPL Foundation Opens Nominations for 2026 Art Awards

The arts have always played a special role in making Evansville and southwestern Indiana such a vibrant place to live, and now the community has a chance to recognize the people and organizations that help make that happen.

Honoring Creativity Across Southwestern Indiana

The EVPL Foundation is officially accepting nominations for the 2026 Art Awards, which celebrate individuals, businesses, projects, and institutions that have made a meaningful impact on the arts throughout the region.

This year marks the EVPL Foundation’s first year serving as the Regional Arts Partner, and leaders say they are excited to continue the long-standing tradition of recognizing local creativity.

A New Award for Culinary Artists

The Foundation is also expanding its recognition efforts by adding a new Culinary Art Award, highlighting the role chefs, bakers, and other food artisans play in enriching local culture.

EVPL Foundation

Categories Cover a Wide Range of Creative Talent

Nominations are being accepted through August 14 and cover a variety of categories, including Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Literary Arts, Culinary Arts, Young Artist, Art Educator, and Art Project. There is also the highly respected Mayor’s Art Award, as well as recognition for outstanding community projects that used the arts to improve quality of life or promote economic development during 2025.

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The awards will be presented during the EVPL Foundation’s annual In The Stacks event on Friday, November 13. Finalists in each category will be announced ahead of time and will each receive two complimentary tickets to the celebration. Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry will also be on hand to present the prestigious Mayor’s Art Award, honoring a Vanderburgh County resident whose lifelong support and contributions to the arts have had a lasting impact on the city.

How to Submit a Nomination

Anyone interested in submitting a nomination can find the form at evpl.org/artawards. Additional information about tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the In The Stacks event will be announced later this summer.