Arts Leadership Award Program

2026 Alameda County Arts Leadership Award Recipients

Samara Atkins, Ariam Weldeab Araya, Randolph Belle, Faye Carol, Dorsi Diaz, Carl Gorringe, Janet Heller, and Margaret Thornberry

The eight arts leaders are being recognized for their achievements and contributions positively impacting the arts community and residents of Alameda County. The award recipients will be honored by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors with commendations presented in conjunction with the County’s celebration of October as National Arts and Humanities Month.

Each year the appointed members of the Alameda County Arts Commission review nominations submitted by the public for the Alameda County Arts Leadership Award program and then select the award recipients. The goal each year is to select one individual or team from each of the five supervisorial districts. This year, a team of two was selected for District 2 and there were tie-votes in Districts 3 and 5, resulting in additional awards, bringing the total to eight recipients. The Alameda County Arts Commission acknowledges all of the individuals who were nominated for this award program. Additionally, the Arts Commission thanks the Alameda County community members who submitted the nominations.

The eight arts leaders are being recognized for their achievements and contributions positively impacting the arts community and residents of Alameda County. The award recipients will be honored by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors with commendations presented in conjunction with the County’s celebration of October as National Arts and Humanities Month. The commendations will be presented during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting on Tuesday, October 6, at 3:00 PM. Members of the public may participate in-person at the County Board Chambers located at 1221 Oak Street, 5th Floor, in Oakland. Alternatively, members of the public may choose to view the meeting and participate remotely through Zoom teleconferencing. For information about the meeting, please visit the Alameda County Board of Supervisors’ website at bos.alamedacountyca.gov.

Link to Press Release about the 2026 Arts Leadership Award Recipients

Learn about the 2026 Leadership Award Recipients

Learn about Past Arts Leadership Award Recipients

Use this searchable database to find and learn about current and past award recipients. You can enter a person’s name, a year dating back to 2003, or an Alameda County Board of Supervisors District such as District 1. Additionally, you can click on a year below to see a list of recipients for that year. Also, you can view and download a document with a complete list of past recipients.

2026 • 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2016 • 2015 • 2014 • 2013 • 2012 • 2011 • 2010 • 2009 • 2008 • 2007 • 2006 • 2005 • 2004 • 2003