The mission of the Division of Cultural Affairs is to promote cultural activity in Alachua County and develop mechanisms that support and encourage community-based cultural resources. We define "cultural" to include ethnic, ecological, and historic resources, as well as the fine and popular arts.
Seeking nominations for amazing residents who have made a difference in our community!
Each year the City’s Gainesville Cultural Affairs Board and the Gainesville Art in Public Places Trust recognize individuals and businesses that have made significant contributions to the advancement of the arts in our community. Past winners represent nearly two decades of Gainesville’s distinguished cultural leadership. Award winners are selected from nominations submitted each fall.
- Cultural Affairs Board awards include Individual, Business and Emerging Artists the Lennie Kesl Lifetime Art Awards.
- The Art in Public Places Trust Public Art Award is presented annually to an individual or entity who has exhibited powerful and meaningful public art works in Gainesville.
- This year, the Cultural Affairs Board has added a one-time Covid-19 Essential Arts Award category to recognize an individual artist, arts organization, community group or business in Gainesville who has demonstrated exceptional and innovative arts and culture programming and/or resource building in response to the unprecedented restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The deadline for all submissions is Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022.