The 41st Annual Northeast Louisiana Arts Awards
Celebrating the people, artists, and supporters who shape culture in Northeast Louisiana
For nearly 41 years, the Northeast Louisiana Arts Awards have recognized excellence and impact across Region 8. This year, we’re excited to introduce a new, community-driven format - one that invites the entire region to participate.
The 2026 Arts Awards are built around public nominations and public voting, placing recognition directly in the hands of the community these artists, educators, volunteers, and supporters serve.
Nominations Deadline: Thursday, March 26th at 11:59pm
Click the button below and get your nominations submitted!
How It Works...
- Public Nominations Open - Monday, February 16th
Anyone may nominate an individual, organization, or business based in Region 8.
Board members and arts organizations are encouraged to nominate, and self-nominations are welcome.
- Nomination Deadline: Thursday, March 26th at 11:59pm - Finalists Notified - Monday, April 6th
Eligible nominations are reviewed to confirm criteria and consolidated into a shortlist of finalists for each category. - Public Voting - Monday, April 13th through Thursday, May 7th
Finalists are presented to the public, and community members vote to determine award recipients.
- How Finalists Are Selected: After nominations close, all eligible nominees will be presented for public voting. Voting results will be used to determine which nominees advance to the Arts Awards celebration. For each award category, up to five (5) nominees receiving the highest number of votes will be invited to attend the Arts Awards event as finalists. In some categories, fewer than five finalists may advance if fewer nominees receive votes. - Arts Awards Celebration - Thursday, June 25th
Winners are announced at the 41st Annual Northeast Louisiana Arts Awards event held June 25th at the Strauss Theatre Center in Monroe.
About the Categories...
Arts Educator of the Year
Recognizes an outstanding K–12 or community-based arts educator whose teaching and leadership have made a meaningful impact on students and the arts community. Includes both visual and performing arts educators; one award is given.
Higher Education Arts Educator of the Year
Honors a university-level arts educator who demonstrates excellence in teaching, mentorship, and contribution to the regional arts landscape. Includes both visual and performing arts educators; one award is given.
Visual Artist of the Year
Recognizes a visual artist whose work reflects artistic excellence, creativity, and significant cultural impact within Region 8.
Performing Artist of the Year
Honors a performing artist whose work and presence have strengthened the cultural life of Northeast Louisiana.
Emerging Artist Award
Recognizes a young or early-career artist (approximately high school graduate through age 25) who shows exceptional promise and dedication to their artistic practice.
BART Award (Business Art Award)
Honors a business that demonstrates meaningful support for the arts through sponsorship, advocacy, partnerships, or direct investment in artists and arts organizations.
Volunteer of the Year Award
Recognizes an individual whose volunteer service has made a lasting and meaningful impact on arts organizations or initiatives in Region 8.
Eligibility
Nominees must live, work, or primarily operate in Region 8 (Northeast Louisiana)
You may submit multiple nominations
Self-nominations are allowed
The 2025 Arts Awards Winners Were...
The 2025 Business Art (BART) winner is:
Gilley Enterprises/McDonald’s, nominated by Louisiana Delta Ballet
The 2025 Volunteer of the Year winner is:
Carmen McNew, nominated by Strauss Youth Academy
The 2025 Tommy Usrey Performing Artist of the Year winner is:
Amelia Haynes Littleton, nominated by Twin City Ballet Company
The 2025 Edmund Williamson Artist of the Year winner is:
Inique Harris, nominated by TCAF/Masur Museum
The 2025 Dot Bassett Emerging Artist winner is:
Anna Beth Ellerman, nominated by Sherri Slade
The 2025 Region 8 Arts Educator of the Year winner is:
Karen Sharp, nominated by Sherri Slade
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR 2025 WINNERS!
