Nominations are being accepted for the 2026 Perry F. Kendig Arts and Culture Awards, which recognize individuals, businesses and organizations in the greater Roanoke region for exemplary leadership and support of the arts.
The awards, co-sponsored by Hollins University and Roanoke College, will be presented Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Hollins University. More details about the event will be announced at a later date.
One award will be presented in each of three categories: Individual Artist; Arts and/or Cultural Organization; and Individual or Business Arts Supporter.
The Individual Artist category is open to artists from all disciplines, including dance, literature, music, media arts, visual arts and theater.
Eligible nominees include individuals, businesses and organizations from Virginia’s Blue Ridge, defined as the counties of Botetourt, Franklin and Roanoke; the cities of Roanoke and Salem; and the town of Vinton. Past Kendig Award recipients from 1985 through 2012 also are eligible for consideration. Programs and full-time employees of Hollins University and Roanoke College may be nominated.
Nominations must be submitted by 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. All nomination forms and supporting documentation must be received by the deadline to be considered.
At least two supporting letters or documents are required with each nomination. Additional information, including samples or links to an artist’s work, is encouraged.
Nominations are evaluated based on three core areas: leadership contributions, including advocacy, education and formal leadership roles; patronage, including participation and financial support; and the nominee’s overall body of work and involvement in the local arts community.
The Kendig Awards are named for the late Perry F. Kendig, who served as president of Roanoke College and was a longtime supporter and patron of the arts. The awards were established in his honor in 1985 to recognize the role of arts and culture in the region, including their contributions to economic development and education.
“My father would be very happy to know that the Kendig Awards continue to recognize artists, artistic organizations and supporters of the arts, both businesses and individuals,” said Bill Kendig, who remains involved with the program as a member of the nominating committee.
The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge presented the Kendig Awards annually through 2012. Beginning in 2013, Hollins University and Roanoke College began sharing responsibility for the program.
Dominion Bank received the first Kendig Award in 1985. Since then, awards have recognized a wide range of businesses, nonprofit organizations, artists and arts supporters.
Past organizational recipients include The Roanoke Times & World News, now The Roanoke Times; Roanoke City Public Schools; Lime Kiln Arts; Roanoke Symphony Orchestra; WVTF Public Radio; Roanoke Children’s Theatre; Mill Mountain Theatre; and Southwest Virginia Ballet.
Individual recipients have included the late Laban Johnson, co-host of “Cookin’ Cheap”; Julie Hunsaker, whose efforts helped save the historic Grandin Theatre; Local Colors founder Pearl Fu; and Ginger Poole, longtime director of Mill Mountain Theatre.
The diversity of nominees and recipients reflects the program’s goal of celebrating and supporting arts and culture in the greater Roanoke region.
More information about the Kendig Awards and the nomination process, including a complete list of past recipients, is available through the Kendig Awards website.
-The Salem Times-Register
