MartinArts Awards Nominee Profile

What are the MartinArts Awards? 

Since 2003, the MartinArts Awards have been a signature event of MartinArts celebrating remarkable achievements in the arts, volunteerism, and philanthropy in Martin County, which inspire a passion for and participation in the arts in our community.

Who is recognized at the MartinArts Awards?

Awards are given in two basic categories: Honorary and Nominated

• Honorary Awards are selected by the MartinArts Board of Directors and represent a legacy of commitment to things such as leadership, arts education, philanthropy and lifetime achievement.
• Nominated Categories are divided into Professional Artist and Student Artist (High School Seniors only) and represent the visual, performing and literary arts disciplines.   The awards are presented to an individual in each category with a proven record of artistic excellence, outstanding civic responsibility, and whose leadership has improved the quality of life in our community through the arts. 

How do you become a nominee?

Nominations are accepted from individuals* and organizations* to recognize authors, musicians, performers, and visual artists who are giving back, enriching the community through their creativity and expression of their talent, and supporting the organizations who bring the arts to audiences across Martin County.  (*Nominating Individuals and organizations do not have to be located in Martin County. Self nominations are not accepted)

• Professional Nominees must either be a Martin County resident or do the majority of their artistic work in the Martin County area.
• Student Nominees must be a Martin County resident who is currently in their Senior year of high school.  A Scholarship will be given to the recipient in each student category.  

What happens after nominations are received?

• Nominees are notified of their nomination and asked to submit a profile that describes their passion, engagement, and dedication to the arts, their involvement in the community, as well as submit samples of their artwork or performances. 
• Deadline to submit profiles: July 1st  
• Student Nominees are required to be interviewed by a panel of judges (past recipients, board members, professional artists, or community members). Interviews will be held in August or September, date to be determined.
• An Awards Ceremony is held to honor all Nominees and Honorary Award Recipients. Nominees will receive one complimentary ticket to attend.  Additional tickets may be purchased - details to follow.

What should be included in the Nominee profile?

Artwork samples

• Literary Artists: Submit up to 3 writing samples (short story, poetry, excerpts from longer pieces, etc.) in PDF format.
• Performing Artists: Submit up to 3 sample performances in a mov, wmv, mp4, or similar format.  A PDF file of YouTube links is accepted – please note times if part of a larger performance. Be sure the video is in horizontal format.
• Visual Artists: Submit up to 3 samples of 2D or 3D artworks* of your choice in JPEG format, hi-res 300 dpi preferred.
• Large files may be emailed to Marties@MartinArts.org or sent by WeTransfer.com as needed.

Supporting documents

• Letters of reference from organizations, teachers, community members; awards and accolades; articles published in newspapers or magazines, online or print; programs/playbooks; acceptance letters; video or photos of yourself creating your art, performance, or collaborating on a project; etc.
• Resume or curriculum vitae of your professional/volunteer/civic experience to further describe your work and community activities related to the arts.

Headshot photo

• Should be framed from the chest up with good lighting on your face and looking directly at the camera. Eye contact is one of the most important elements of a great headshot.  Showcases the personality and aura you want to give off. This is what makes it memorable.  It should be easy to see and notice even when it is small.  Beware of weird shadowing.

How do I have a successful interview? (Student Nominees only)

• Be confident, make eye contact, dress professionally, answer honestly and respectfully.
• Be proud and passionate about your art and community involvement. 
• Be prepared to follow up with more answers to questions about your future plans, college choices, your Plan A, Plan B, and even Plan Z, and what receiving this scholarship would mean to you.
• Be ready to tell a story about why you chose to perform a particular song, style, medium, subject matter, etc. 
• Bring your portfolio or additional information to support your nomination and tell your story.  A computer will be available for use.

How are award recipients selected?

• Nominees will be judged in the areas of Artistic Excellence, Civic Responsibility, and Leadership based on information provided in each Nominees’ profile.
• The MartinArts Awards Judging Panel select the final recipients for each award category after Nominee Profiles are reviewed and Student Interviews have been completed.  Award recipients are announced at the Awards Ceremony.
• No person who has put forth a nomination will be on the judging panel.  The panel will be representative of the various artistic media and involvement in the community.

How are nominees involved in the Awards Ceremony?

• All nominees receive a complimentary ticket to the Awards Ceremony and are encouraged to invite family and friends to share in the celebration at the Lyric Theatre in downtown Stuart. 
• Professional & Student - Visual & Literary Nominees:  Each nominee will be asked to select a work to be showcased - either as part of the opening number, presented during the event, or included in the program book.
• Student Performing Nominees: Each nominee is invited to perform a “mash-up” with 1 or more nominees for the show.  (*Nominees that are participating in a “mash up” performance are expected to attend up to 4 rehearsals.)

What opportunities are available to support the event?

Proceeds from the MartinArts Awards support student scholarships, arts education, and year-round programming of the MartinArts Council and Foundation. 

• Invite your family and friends to purchase tickets and attend the Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, November 8th.  Invitations will be sent in September.
• Program Ads can be purchased by organizations and businesses.  Congratulatory Ads are available to parents of Student Nominees.
• Sponsorships include reserved seating, VIP perks, recognition at the event, print & digital advertising, and more!

Questions?

• Jennifer Hearn, Senior Programs Manager
• Marties@MartinArts.org | 772.287.6676 (x2)