Artists, nonprofits, businesses and philanthropists to be celebrated on May 9
Jacksonville, Fla. – March 17, 2026 – The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville (CCGJ) will host its 49th Annual Arts Awards powered by Decca Live on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Decca Live. The highly anticipated event honors individuals, organizations and philanthropists that fuel Jacksonville’s creative economy.
CCGJ announced this year’s award winners today, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the city’s vibrant arts and culture landscape, shaping Jacksonville as a premier destination for quality of life, tourism and economic development.
This year’s theme, Neon Noir, celebrates the people and organizations who ignite the way for the creative sector. Driving the city forward, these destination builders are leaving an effervescent glow long after the awards end. True to its mission, CCGJ’s role as the City of Jacksonville’s legislated leading Local Arts Agency (LAA) is to champion the sector through community-driven programs while providing the platform to elevate broadly, collaboratively and intentionally. This is exemplified in the community nominated and selected process for the 2026 Arts Awards winners, where CCGJ becomes the platform to elevate the city’s choice.
“For nearly five decades, the Arts Awards have recognized creative leaders, cultural catalysts and artistic innovators who help define Jacksonville’s vibrant creative sector,” said Diana Donovan, Executive Director of the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville. “We are honored to recognize this year’s award winners and to champion a sector that strengthens quality of life, drives economic impact, fuels destination building and positions Greater Jacksonville as a dynamic place to live, work and visit.”
“Decca Live is proud to partner with the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville as the presenting sponsor for the 49th Annual Arts Awards powered by Decca Live,” said Decca Live's Evan Rajta. “We’re excited to host this celebration of the artists and cultural leaders shaping Jacksonville and to welcome the community into downtown for a dynamic evening that champions the creativity and cultural energy that make our city thrive.”
The 2026 winners in each of the eight categories are:
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Art Educator, which honors an individual who demonstrates dedication to enriching their students with a passion for the arts: Doris McNeill
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Art of Giving, which honors an individual or couple who stewards their resources to fund, support and sustain arts and culture programs: Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi
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Art Innovator, which honors an individual who creates new and innovative ideas to benefit the community: Willie Evans Jr.
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Community Impact, which honors an individual or organization who has a record of visible transformational results that are evident within their community, and a commitment to impacting others’ lives: Kady Yellow
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Robert Arleigh White Award for Advocacy, which honors an individual who fosters an environment of educating and learning of the benefits of the arts: Darren Dailey
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Small Business of the Year, which honors an organization that has fewer than 100 employees and graciously gives support to arts and cultural programs and organizations despite its size: LOL JAX Film Festival
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Corporate Business of the Year, which honors a business that graciously gives support to arts and cultural programs and organizations: GFWC Jacksonville Beaches Woman’s Club
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Helen Lane Founders Award, which honors a leader who integrates arts and culture into everyday life within their community: Kandice Clark
The Arts Awards is the CCGJ’s largest annual fundraiser, supporting our nonprofit, growing regranting efforts and responsive funding that fuels artists and organizations. As the region’s leading regranting agency for arts and culture, CCGJ returns an average of 92 cents of every dollar back to support the local arts and culture sector. This investment generates a strong return by fueling Jacksonville’s creative economy and benefiting multiple sectors across the city.
Not a gala. An experience. The 49th Annual Arts Awards powered by Decca Live, will be a bold, multi-level experience at Decca Live—blending recognition, immersive moments and dynamic networking throughout the evening. Cocktail-style, designed for mingling (limited seating).
Tickets are limited and expected to sell out. For more information and to purchase tickets: culturalcouncil.org/artsawards.
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About the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville:
The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville aims to enrich life in Northeast Florida by investing in Arts and Culture. Founded more than 50 years ago, the Cultural Council operates as a private, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization and is designated as the official Local Arts Agency (LAA) by ordinance for the City of Jacksonville. It is governed by a volunteer board of directors and provides a range of services to ignite the creative economy and to address the ever-changing needs of the arts and cultural sector and broader community. Learn more at culturalcouncil.org.