The 40th annual Mayor’s Arts Awards presented by Mayor Muriel Bowser, united artists, cultural leaders, and community members at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C., on Thursday for an evening that not only celebrated creative excellence but also highlighted the vital role of the arts in the nation’s capital.
The evening was hosted by Tommy McFly of NBC4 Washington and featured performances by Grammy-nominated recording artist Eric Roberson, the Washington Ballet, Black Alley and many more performers.
Crush Funk Brass Band, who performed early in the night, looked forward to energizing the crowd during the awards show.
“We’re just looking to have a good time and bring the good street sounds of D.C. into the theater,” the band told The Informer ahead of their performance.
The awards empowered Washingtonians, as District residents across all eight wards voted for their favorite creatives across 13 nomination categories, and winners were announced during the Thursday evening ceremony.
As all the nominees are listed for voters, Rahsaan Bernard, winner of the Mayor’s Art Award for Excellence as a Community Arts Philanthropist, said the event puts a spotlight on those contributing to the District’s arts community.
“This is an incredible opportunity and platform for the creative economy here in D.C. to showcase its best and brightest,” Bernard said.
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Celebrating four decades of honoring local creatives, many people present for the awards show stressed the importance of uplifting District arts and artists.
“As a community, we must celebrate one another, we must lift one another, and we must shine the spotlight on others,” said attendee Jennifer Gelencia. “I’m blessed to be here with all the celebrants.”
Marketing and media specialist Airen Washington, a D.C. native, highlighted the contributions of local artists to District life and culture.
“This event is important because it’s an opportunity to admire all the creatives, artists and the people who work year-round to put D.C. on,” she told The Informer, “when it comes to music, art, fashion, cinematography, culture, building, everything you can think of.”
Radio personality Doug Foster praised Bowser for continuing the legacy of the Mayor’s Arts Awards, started by the late Marion Barry, affectionately called D.C.’s “Mayor for Life.”
“Muriel Bowser has done a wonderful job on getting people out to enjoy the arts every year,” he said of the current mayor, who has also promoted the arts through programming like 202Creates.
For Foster, it is critical young Washingtonians are exposed to the arts and have opportunities like the Mayors Arts Awards to showcase their skills.
“We need to make certain that our youth get a chance to display their talents,” he continued.
Artist and D.C. native Chinedu Osuchukwu said it was important to uplift those excelling in the local creative community, beyond their contributions to entertainment.
“I’m here to celebrate the arts,” he told The Informer. “It’s important for D.C. because there’s so many people here [whose] history we need to preserve.”
A Milestone Celebration, Arts Bring Unity During Difficult Times
The 40th anniversary of the Mayor’s Arts Awards coincided with another milestone for Derrick Rutledge, winner of the Mayor’s Art Award for Excellence in Fashion and Beauty.
“I [couldn’t] be any happier, especially since this happens to be the 40th year of me doing makeup,” he said, “so this really means a lot to me.”
A celebrity makeup artist, Rutledge had many supporters surrounding him for the important occasion, including comedian and actress Kym Whitley.
“l’m here to support him,” she told The Informer. “I’m very proud of him.”
As the District rallies from the Trump administration’s federal officers and braces themselves due to the threat of a government shutdown, the awards not only celebrated D.C. arts, but united celebrities like Whitley, with local artists, business leaders, politicians and Washingtonians in the name of creativity.
“I came because I support the arts,” said attendee Carla Reed. “[They’re] essential to the community.”
The Mayor’s Arts Awards came as the District area wraps 202Creates Month, a time that the Bowser administration has set aside to recognize the artistic achievements of D.C. residents while showcasing the District as “the capital of creativity” — a place where artists can prosper.
Beyond September’s celebrations — such as the awards, 202Creates Month and Art All Night — attendee Aria M., who spoke on the condition of not disclosing her last name, emphasized the arts as a healing balm that brings the community together.
“Arts and humanities are so important in D.C. because it keeps our communities inclusive,” she said, “and it really represents our soul here.”
For more information and to view a full list of this year’s winners, go to mayor.dc.gov.
