The Boise City Department of Arts & History is accepting nominations for the 2025 Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in Arts & History as well as applications to serve as the City of Boise Cultural Ambassador now through April 30, 2025.
Presented every two years, the Mayor's Awards for Excellence in Arts & History celebrates people, organizations, and businesses that contribute to Boise's cultural and creative community. Award recipients must have demonstrated distinguished service, creative accomplishment, and a record of publication, presentation or research that enhances Boise's artistic, historic, and broader cultural life.
Award categories include:
- Excellence in the Arts
- Excellence in History
- Excellence in Education
- Support of the Cultural Sector
- Emerging Individual or Organization
- Lifetime Achievement
In addition, individuals, nonprofit organizations, other organizations, and businesses may all apply to be the 2026-2027 City of Boise Cultural Ambassador. As Boise’s honorary representative to the world, the appointed individual or organization will serve for a two-year term. During their tenure, the Cultural Ambassador will engage with national and international audiences through the public expression of culture that helps develop, document, research, share, or reflect upon Boise’s cultural life. Story Story Night is the current Cultural Ambassador (2024-2025).
The goals of the Cultural Ambassador are to:
- Raise awareness of the individual and/or organization and their connection to Boise
- Raise awareness of cultural activities during the term of the ambassadorship
- Expand the cultural impact of the organization on the community
- Encourage promotion around Boise’s cultural life in other cities
All award recipients and the next Cultural Ambassador will be announced at the Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in Arts & History on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at JUMP Boise (1000 W Myrtle St, Boise). Tickets and sponsorship opportunities will be available for purchase in early summer.
For more information about the Mayor's Awards for Excellence in Arts & History and nomination details, please visit boiseartsandhistory.org/MayorsAwards
For more information about the City of Boise Cultural Ambassador and application details, please visit boiseartsandhistory.org/CulturalAmbassador
About the Boise City Department of Arts & History
The Department of Arts & History is Boise’s local cultural agency dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging through accessible and place-based arts and history. Our mission is to cultivate a distinct sense of place which reflects Boise’s rich past, diverse communities, and unique natural setting. Our operations empower and serve Boise residents as we create opportunities that nurture and sustain Boise’s past and its creative economy. More information: BoiseArtsAndHistory.org
