The Arts are the Heart Award

The Arts Are the Heart Award was created to celebrate and commemorate the compassionate work of Barbara Neal who served on the staff of the Colorado Council on the Arts for 26 years. During that time she was involved in a myriad creative projects and initiatives while addressing the need for change in many aspects of the Colorado arts community.

This award honors individuals working in the arts and in arts management who have made a significant contribution to their local communities, and exemplify those leadership qualities that made Barbara's influence special.

With this award we honor her ability to bring people together, her straightforwardness and articulate manner, her honesty and unique manner of caring. Barbara always made the enrichment of the community her main concern. Barbara Neal herself received the first Arts Are the Heart award at the 1994 convention in Montrose.

Do you know someone who has made a meaningful contribution to your community through the Arts? Would you like to see that individual receive statewide recognition for their work in the Arts or Arts management? The Colorado Arts Consortium is now accepting nominations from individuals and organizations for the 2005 CAC Arts Are the Heart Award.

Nomination Process

Nominations must be submitted typed in the mail or via email. Nominations are not restricted to any specific categories, except that they fulfill the guidelines set forth on the Award Nominating Statement form (below).


Completed applications (a maximum of two pages, no supplemental materials) must be sent or emailed to the addresses below by November 22, 2005 (postmark date).

Nominating Statement

Please state the reasons for your nomination of the individual or organization named. Clearly identify community arts contributions, personal characteristics, your involvement with the individual and project, and why your nominee is unique. If necessary, you may use one (1) additional page. Supplemental materials are neither required nor accepted.

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