Arts Awards

Since 1999, the Port Towsend Arts Commission has been recognizing outstanding artists and members of the creative community for their contributions to our area's culture and arts identity.

We encourage everyone to help honor these arts heroes! All awardees are nominated by people in the community who want to show their appreciation for how the arts and artists make a difference in our lives and our city.

Nominations for the 2026 Port Townsend Art Awards are open!

Do you know someone or someplace that has made a difference in our community through the arts this year? Nominate them for a Port Townsend Art Award! The awards honor notable works of art, artistic achievements and arts events, and celebrate those who have contributed to the arts in Port Townsend and East Jefferson County. Award winners are chosen based on nominations submitted by community members.

Nominations are invited for individual artists, businesses, benefactors for the arts, arts educators, arts supporters, notable art related events and artistic achievements from individuals and organizations.

Save the Date for the Awards Ceremony! It will be held on the evening of Friday, March 5th, 2027. Location and details to come!

Nomination Instructions

Only one nomination may be made per form
The number of nominations received for each nominee has no bearing on the selection process
It is highly advisable to collaborate with the nominee to ensure a competitive nomination packet
Be sure to include all relevant details explaining your nomination

Nominations will be assessed against the following criteria: 

Is uniquely Port Townsend/East Jefferson County
Shows continued success 
Has a tangible connection to the local arts community
Promotes tourism/culturalism
Fosters education
Presents strong nomination materials 
Is publicly nominated
Represents a broad array of the arts community: performance, music, supporters/advocates, visual arts
Is submitted by the deadline

READY TO NOMINATE?

More Information and form preview: Program Details

>>>>>>>>>NOMINATION FORM<<<<<<<<<

CAll for artists: 2026 art awards design & fabrication

PTAC has announced a Call for Artists to design and fabricate six sculptural trophies for the recipients of the 2026 Port Townsend Art Awards. These works will be presented to the 2026 award winners added to a collection of artist-designed awards, including ceramicist Victoria Power’s small marine-flora-inspired works from 2025. The commission for this project is $1,500, including materials. Proposals are due by July 31. Learn more at: https://ptcreativedistrict.org/art-awards-cfa/

Stay informed about PTAC's work! Sign up for the City Newsletter, the Arts & Culture Newsletter, and Follow Us on Facebook.

Curious about other arts and culture work being led by the City? Learn more at ptcreativedistrict.org