The Arts Council of New Orleans’s Community Arts Awards recognizes individuals, organizations, and corporations that have made outstanding contributions to the arts in New Orleans. Recipients include living artists, arts patrons, volunteers, nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, and corporate patrons. Award nominations are based on artistic excellence, sustained contributions, unusual achievements, perseverance, and a deep commitment to the arts and the cultural community. Since 1977, the Arts Council has given 179 awards.

Funds raised through this event provide core unrestricted support for the Arts Council. Programs offered by the Arts Council serve artists, arts organizations and businesses, as well as the general public. The value of arts and culture enriches lives and the economy of the New Orleans area.

The Arts Council of New Orleans is a private, nonprofit agency designated as the City of New Orleans’ official arts agency. The Arts Council works in partnership with the city, community groups, local, state and national governmental agencies, and other nonprofit arts organizations and businesses to meet the arts and cultural needs of the greater New Orleans region through a diversity of initiatives and services.