For the past seven years, ARTSFAIRFAX has recognized both individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the creative economy in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church. Beyond entertainment, cultural and educational activities for local residents, the arts strengthen the local economy with jobs and with taxes paid.

ARTSFAIRFAX is the organization that helps support the arts and provides a voice for the arts. A study developed by Americans for the Arts in collaboration with ARTSFAIRFAX indicated that more than $270 million is generated annually in economic activity from the arts and culture industry in Fairfax. Additionally, more than $9 million of local government revenue is generated as patrons at nonprofit arts events spend close to $25 per person, per event, beyond the cost of admission on items such as meals, parking, and even babysitters.

This year’s ARTSFAIRFAX’s honorees have exhibited “individual and collective dedication to the arts, helping grow the cultural and economic economy in Fairfax County,” said Linda Sullivan, ARTSFAIRFAX president & CEO.

The 2018 award recipients include Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras, Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, and Virginia McGehee Friend. The awardees were selected by ARTSFAIRFAX and community representatives. Nominations were received from the public.

“We are delighted to honor our 2018 Arts Awards recipients for their extraordinary contributions to Fairfax County and beyond,” said Sullivan. “Our honorees have enabled thousands of arts programs and services, benefiting millions of people.”

Master of Ceremonies for the 2018 ARTSFAIRFAX event is former U.S. Rep. Thomas M. Davis, currently director for Government Affairs at Deloitte in Washington. He is also an adjunct professor of Political Science at George Mason University, and also serving as rector (chairman, Board of Visitors).

“The arts awards recognize arts organizations that are county and national leaders in innovative and creative programs that educate and entertain all ages,” said Davis. “A creative economy fuels innovation that provides jobs and creates a sense of place where people want to live, work and play.”

Each year, ARTSFAIRFAX commissions a Fairfax County artist to design a keepsake award to commemorate the honorees. For 2018, award-winning artist David Barnes will design the Arts Awards. His studio is at the Workhouse Arts Center. He is known for creating glass works that achieve unusual lighting effects throughout each work.