ArtsWestchester seeks ’50 for 50′ nominees

ArtsWestchester is soliciting nominations from the public for its “50 for 50” awards as part of its 50th anniversary celebration next year.

The “50 for 50” awards will honor 50 outstanding creative artists in Westchester County. Artists in any discipline are eligible, including composers, choreographers, filmmakers, writers and visual artists.

“The ”˜50 for 50”™ awards shine a spotlight on some of the exceptional artists that make Westchester a creative, vibrant place to live and work,” said Janet Langsam, ArtsWestchester CEO, in a press release. “We firmly believe that working artists are the lifeblood of the creative community, and we want to celebrate their talent, passion and work. We invite the community in Westchester and beyond to nominate candidates for this honor.”

The nominees must live or maintain a studio in Westchester or have close and continuing affiliations with Westchester-based cultural organizations or educational institutions. They also must have produced a significant body of work over the past three years and have received significant local, regional or national recognition.

“Over the last 50 years, ArtsWestchester has worked with thousands of artists,” Langsam said in the press release. “As part of our 50th anniversary, we thought it was fitting to solicit nominations from the community. It offers a chance for the public to actively participate in our celebration and help us recognize some of today”™s most accomplished Westchester artists.”

Nominees may be emerging or midcareer artists or those who have reached a level of lifetime achievement, and all nominees must be active in their fields. ArtsWestchester will review the nominations and contact eligible nominees directly to request work samples and other support material. An independent panel will make the final selection of honorees. Winners will be announced in early 2015.

Artists can be nominated via the ArtsWestchester website.