Use this Form for All Nominations

For an alternate format, please email info@artsparktx.org

Nomination Deadline: Friday, April 15th, 2026

Art Spark Texas annually honors artists in the disciplines of visual art, dance, music, theater, performance art, craft, media, writing, and other creative pursuits. 

Each year, the Artist of the Year Awards are given to Texas artists with disabilities who embody the spirit and vision of Art Spark Texas, and who challenge the perceptions of how people contribute by demonstrating artistic excellence or leading the way as a community catalyst for change.

Self-nominations are allowed, as well as multiple nominations for one individual. 

• The Haven Street-Allen Artist of the Year Award honors an individual whose work affirms that the power of an artistic spirit, combined with determination and will, can influence and shape our society. Each year, this award is given to an artist with a disability in Texas who embodies the vision of Art Spark Texas. Through a selfless effort and/or body of work, this artist models inclusion and serves as a catalyst for change. Nominations are open to artists in any discipline, including but not limited to visual art, dance, music, performance, craft, media and writing. This award is named for former Board member Forrest Haven Street-Allen and honors her commitment to create positive change in the lives of people with disabilities.

• The Lynn Marie Johnson Media Arts Award honors an artist who displays passion and commitment to the promotion and awareness of people with disabilities in our digital world. Each year, this award is given to an artist with a disability in Texas whose work as producer, artist, writer, director or other creative in the media arts embodies the mission of Art Spark Texas. Nominations are open to artists who work in video, film, photography, television, radio, social media, or other related fields. This award is named for former staff member Lynn Marie Johnson and reflects her unwavering advocacy for artists with disabilities in the media arts.

• The SPARK Award honors an up-and-coming artist who represents the inclusive, arts-inspired world that Art Spark Texas works to create every day. Each year, this award is given to an emerging Texas artist with a disability whose infectious and innovative spirit shifts perceptions of what people with disabilities can achieve. Nominations are open to any emerging artist in any discipline, including but not limited to visual art, dance, music, performance, craft, media and writing. Small but mighty, a spark – when nurtured and cared for – can fuel great things.

• The Gloria Bond Creative Aging Award honors an older artist who continues to express their creativity and/or demonstrates a willingness to explore new art forms as they age. Each year, this award is given to a Texas artist who exemplifies the vital aging philosophy of Art Spark Texas. Nominations are open to any individual over the age of 65 years in any discipline, including visual art, dance, music, performance, craft, media and writing. This award is named in honor of Gloria Bond, a mother who began her painting career after raising her family, and who instilled her love for the arts in everyone she touched throughout her life.

• The Creative Veteran Service Award honors a veteran who carries the mission forward through a creative act or series of activities in service to the greater community. We recognize that there is valor on and off the battlefield, and this award celebrates the resilience and character instilled in our nation’s Veterans, carrying forward a mission that remains a steadfast pillar and guiding force in their creative life.     

Each award includes an honorarium and an invitation to attend our annual celebration event as a guest of honor to be publicly recognized for their achievements. The 2026 event will be in Austin on Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 1-4 pm at the Rollins Theatre. Travel expenses will be covered for out-of-town awardees.

A panel of judges will jury nominations and the results will be announced in May 2026.