Boulder Arts Week Awards
New in 2025!
Boulder Arts Week is excited to announce Boulder Arts Week Awards (which we are affectionately calling the “BAWies”), funded by the City of Boulder’s Office of Arts and Culture. These awards recognize individuals and organizations that make Boulder’s arts community thrive. Whether through artistic excellence, advocacy, or support for local creatives, these awards honor those shaping a vibrant, inclusive cultural scene.
Each year around Boulder Arts Week, we will celebrate the artists, leaders, and businesses driving meaningful change. Winners receive a $1,000 stipend—to support their work or donate to an arts organization—along with publicity and promotion to amplify their impact. By recognizing these changemakers, we inspire continued creativity and collaboration in Boulder’s arts ecosystem.
Nominations for the first four awards will be open through April 3, 2025.
The awards
The Champion of Champions
This award recognizes a local business that has demonstrated outstanding support for the arts ecosystem in Boulder. Through sponsorships, collaborations, or direct involvement, this business has significantly contributed to the vibrancy of the local arts scene, ensuring that creativity and culture continue to thrive in our community.
The Artivist Award
Honoring an individual or organization that has leveraged their artistic practice to drive meaningful change in social justice, climate justice, or other critical issues. This award celebrates those who use their creativity as a catalyst for awareness, advocacy, and action, inspiring both the arts community and society at large.
The Uncharted Territory Award
This award recognizes an individual or organization that has pushed the boundaries of their field through bold innovation and creative excellence. Whether through groundbreaking techniques, new technologies, or visionary storytelling, the recipient has demonstrated an exceptional ability to redefine artistic possibilities.
The Bright Futures Award
Presented to a promising student from one of Boulder’s higher education institutions, this award highlights an individual whose talent, dedication, and artistic vision signal a bright future in the arts. This rising star embodies creativity, skill, and the potential to make a lasting impact in their chosen discipline.
The BAW Boulder Buzz Award
Voted on by the community, this award celebrates the most beloved event, program, or artwork featured during Boulder Arts Week. Whether it captivated audiences, sparked conversation, or left a lasting impression, the winner of this award reflects the heart and spirit of Boulder’s vibrant arts scene.
Timeline:
Public nominations for The Champion of Champions, The Artivist Award, The Uncharted Territory Award, and The Bright Futures Award will be open from March 3 to April 3.
Our jury will convene to decide the first four awards from April 4 to April 14.
The BAW Boulder Buzz (People’s Choice) voting will be open from April 4 through April 15 (during Boulder Arts Week).
Awardees will be notified on April 23.
All awards will be announced on April 24 through social media and a press release.