National Guild for Community Arts Education Announces Awards Ceremony at 2024 Conference for Community Arts Education

Washington, DC — March 27, 2024 — The National Guild for Community Arts Education is thrilled to announce the recipients of its esteemed awards, to be presented during the upcoming Conference for Community Arts Education from April 9-12, 2024, in Washington, DC. This year's conference theme, "Seeding Fractals: Cultivating Connections, Multiplying Impact," underscores the importance of fostering connections and amplifying the transformative power of community arts education.

The awards and their distinguished honorees are as follows: 

The Duffie Adelson Award for Lifelong Achievement in Community Arts Education 

Honorees: Madaha Kinsey-Lamb and Paul Babcock

Madaha Kinsey-Lamb: A tireless advocate for arts education and community development, Madaha Kinsey-Lamb has dedicated over five decades to empowering individuals of all ages through creative expression. From her pioneering work as the Executive Director and Founder of Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center in the Northeast Bronx to her commitment to amplifying the voices of Black youth and communities of color, Madaha's impact is immeasurable.

Paul Babcock: As President/Chief Operating Officer of the MacPhail Center for Music, Paul Babcock has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of community arts education. His visionary leadership has led to significant advancements in music education, expanding access and enriching the lives of thousands of students across the nation.

The Sandra Bowie Award for Social Change

Honoree: Mariah Rankine-Landers

Mariah Rankine-Landers: An interdisciplinary artist and educator, Mariah Rankine-Landers uses her art as a catalyst for social change. Through her innovative curriculum design and dedication to equity in education, Mariah has empowered students and educators alike to challenge master narratives and build a more just and compassionate society.

The Congresswoman Alma Adams Advocacy Award

Honoree: Florida State Rep LaVon Bracy Davis

LaVon Bracy Davis: A trailblazer in the intersection of arts, education, and public service, LaVon Bracy Davis has championed legislative initiatives to support the arts and advance social justice. Her unwavering commitment to criminal justice reform, education advocacy, and community empowerment exemplifies the transformative potential of arts advocacy in the public sphere.

The Next Generation Award

Honorees: Qiaira Riley and Kerry Warren

Qiaira Riley: An interdisciplinary artist and cultural worker, Qiaira Riley is dedicated to uplifting Black women and femmes through her creative endeavors. Her innovative approach to arts education and community engagement has inspired new generations of leaders and fostered social change.

Kerry Warren: With a passion for holistic healing through the arts, Kerry Warren brings mindfulness and creativity to her work as a Teaching Artist and movement instructor. Her commitment to trauma-informed practices and inclusive education is reshaping the landscape of arts education for future generations.

These remarkable individuals embody the spirit of creativity, innovation, and community engagement that lies at the heart of the National Guild for Community Arts Education's mission. Their contributions have left an indelible mark on the field of community arts education, inspiring us all to cultivate connections and multiply impact.

The awards ceremony will take place during the 2024 Conference for Community Arts Education, where honorees will be celebrated for their achievements and dedication to advancing the field. For more information about the conference and the National Guild for Community Arts Education, please visit www.nationalguild.org/conference

Contact: 
Quanice Floyd
Executive Director
quanicefloyd@nationalguild.org

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Published: March 27, 2024