The Arts Council recognizes exemplary dedication to the arts at its Community Arts Awards gala, held each year in September. There are four award categories. Awards given to adults are Community Medal of Arts, Theodore C. Cooper Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service, and Business Arts Awards. Also on this night, the Young Artist Award is given to a graduating high school senior. Nominations for these awards are due the third Wednesday in May.

Community Medal of Arts
The Community Medal of Arts celebrates the residents and employees in Kalamazoo County who are actively engaged in the artistic life of the community. The award is given only to individuals. Artists, teachers and arts administrators are eligible for this award. Recipients need not be Arts Council members.

Community Medal of Arts Nomination Form (Word DOC)

Community Medal of Arts Nomination Form (PDF)

Theodore C. Cooper Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service
The Theodore C. Cooper Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service recognizes dedicated individuals whose lives exemplify a broad range of volunteer service to the arts community. In contrast to the Community Medal of Arts, Cooper Award recipients need not be an artist, teacher or arts administrator. The Distinguished Volunteer Service Award will be awarded to any person or couple whose volunteering fulfills the intent of the award. It is not restricted to Arts Council members.

Theodore C. Cooper Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service Nomination Form (Word DOC)

Theodore C. Cooper Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service Nomination Form (PDF)

Business Arts Award
The Business Arts Award honors local businesses for their support of the arts community. Kalamazoo is rich in companies, large and small, that have helped the arts through long-term financial contributions, donated goods and services, and employee volunteers.

Business Arts Award Nomination Form (Word DOC)

Business Arts Award Nomination Form (PDF)

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For more information, call the Arts Council at (269) 342-5059.