Individual Artist – Visual Artist:  A living artist, residing in Sangamon or Menard County, who has produced a significant body of work in his/her artistic discipline in the field of visual arts and who has contributed to the arts in our area.

Individual Artist – Performing Artist:  A living artist, residing in Sangamon or Menard County, who has produced a significant body of work in his/her artistic discipline in the field of performing arts and who has contributed to the arts in our area;  includes music, theater, dance.

Individual Artist – Literary Artist:  A living artist, residing in Sangamon or Menard County, who has produced a significant body of work in his/her artistic discipline in the field of poetry or prose, fiction or non-fiction and who has contributed to the arts in our area.

Arts Organization:  A nonprofit organization that has made a substantial impact on the cultural development of this area as demonstrated through exceptional artistic achievement and outstanding programming.

Business Supportive of the Arts:  A local business that has demonstrated a significant commitment to the arts, recognizing the imperative role of public / private partnerships. This commitment may be in the form of financial, personnel, and/or resources support.

Arts Volunteer:  A volunteer who consistently supports the arts through a commitment of personal time, energy, and devotion.

Arts Educator:  An individual who has made a significant contribution to kindergarten through twelfth grade arts education, as a teacher, mentor, or catalyst who educates children through the arts.

Exceptional Arts Student:  A high school or college student, residing in Sangamon or Menard County, who has demonstrated exceptional talent as a visual, performing, or literary artist and who has made a significant contribution to the arts community.