Roanoke College, Hollins Welcome Nominations for the 2020 Perry F. Kendig Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2020 Perry F. Kendig Arts and Culture Awards, which recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations in the greater Roanoke region that provide exemplary leadership in or support for the arts.

The deadline for nominations has been extended to September 1, at 4 p.m. The nomination form and other information can be found at KendigAwards.com.  

Celebrating 35 years this year of honoring excellence in arts and culture, the Kendig Awards have been co-sponsored by Hollins University and Roanoke College since 2013. The 2020 Kendig Awards will be presented at Hollins with the date/location to be announced.

Three Kendig Awards will be presented this year, one in each of the following categories:

• Individual Artist (selected from all disciplines, including dance, literature, music, media arts, visual arts, and theatre)
• Arts and/or Cultural Organization
• Individual or Business Arts Supporter

Individuals, businesses, and organizations from the greater Roanoke region (which includes the counties of Botetourt, Franklin, and Roanoke, the cities of Roanoke and Salem, and the town of Vinton) are eligible, as are past Kendig Award recipients from 1985 – 2012. Programs and full-time employees of Hollins University and Roanoke College are now eligible to be nominated as well.

“The Kendig Awards program provides a focal point for celebrating the greater Roanoke region’s cultural identity,” said Hollins Interim President Nancy Oliver Gray. “This initiative enables all of us to realize and appreciate the vital role arts and culture play in economic development as well as education in our schools.”

“Presenting this annual program builds an even stronger arts and culture bridge between our campuses and the community,” added Roanoke College President Mike Maxey. “We are proud to join with Hollins to champion this celebration of the arts.”

Named for the late Perry F. Kendig, who served as president of Roanoke College and was an avid supporter and patron of the arts, the awards were presented by the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge for 27 years.