To see previous years awards programs and descriptions click here>

Throughout its thirty years of existence, Partners’ awards programs have helped define its role in America as the premier livability resource and have selected projects and people as famous as United States’ presidents or as humble as a small town newspaper editor to recognize them for their significant contributions in making the world a better place for all people.

This spring, Partners will once again host this prestigious awards program during which we will honor the following extraordinary people and organizations:

Founders Award for Civic Leadership

Clare Smith- President of Aid to Artisans from 1986-2008

For her commitment to helping artisans world-wide through mentoring and connecting them to the global marketplace.  For 22 years, Smith worked with the non-profit organization, Aid to Artisans until her retirement in 2008. Under her strong leadership, ATA delivered services to over 65,000 artisans, in 41 countries, provided grants to 60,000 additional artisans, and leveraged nearly $230 million in retail commerce. As a result of Smith's work and organizational leadership, the market for crafts created by skilled artisans around the world has greatly expanded, and a once threatened livelihood has a viable outlet to support artists and their families.

Celebrate America Media Award

Peter Harkness

For pioneering Governing Magazine as a crucial resource for leaders of state and local governments. During his two-decade tenure as Editor and Publisher of Governing Magazine, Harkness grew the magazine from a fledgling publication to a respected and established resource. As a result of his leadership, circulation of the magazine increased to 85,000 copies distributed yearly and the publication has been a four-time finalist for the National Magazine Award. Harkness has also remained a vital addition to Partners' community, having served on the Board of Trustees for over fifteen years.

Investors in America Award

Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence

For the program's commitment to livability by rewarding the use of vision and imagination when addressing societal ills. The Award was created in 1986 by Simeon Bruner to foster a better understanding of the role of architecture in the urban environment and has become one of America's leading forums for the discussion of issues related to urban architecture, planning, and community revitalization. The Rudy Bruner awards program is a true investor in American communities and continues to set a high standard for urban excellence.

A Quarter Century of Service Award  

The Piedmont Environmental Council

For their dedication to promoting and protecting the "rural economy, natural resources, history and beauty" in the Piedmont Region of Virginia. For over 35 years the Piedmont Environmental Council has worked throughout the Piedmont region to restore communities by utilizing the natural and cultural resources of the area. The organization's expertise spans the environmental spectrum with programming in areas from clean air and water to historic landscape preservation. Their progressive vision makes them a model for environmentally conscious, community focused organizations throughout the country.

Venture Richmond

For their role in transforming Richmond into a vibrant city with arts, culture, housing, nature, and historic offerings. Venture Richmond, formed out of Richmond Renaissance, City Celebrations, Richmond Riverfront Corp., and the River District Alliance in 2006, is integral in helping the City partner with business and community leaders to enhance the vitality of the community, particularly downtown. Because of Venture Richmond's efforts, the City's housing market has both expanded and improved, new cultural celebrations and events have been initiated, and numerous music venues and recording studios have opened. Venture Richmond's commitment to diversity, local economy, arts and culture, and community vitality has allowed them to redefine the City of Richmond as a unified and lively place to live, work, or visit.

Bridge Builders Award

José Antonio Abreu- Founder and Artistic Director of The Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela

For his role in transcending social and political hardships through performing arts education for underprivileged and at-risk youths throughout the country of Venezuela. In 1975, José Antonio Abreu founded the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra. Since then, the youth orchestra has grown into a network of 120 orchestras involving over 110,000 young Venezuelan musicians, creating what is now known as the National System of Children and Youth Orchestras of Venezuela- or FESNOJIV. Perhaps the most unique and admirable aspect of the youth orchestras is their commitment to helping low-income, disadvantaged youth through the power of music. The Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra now tours the world as an example of how arts education can improve the lives of young adults and children, many of whom grow up in communities riddled with gang violence, drugs, and poverty.

Entrepreneurial American Cities Award

City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program

For their dedication to local artists, youth education and mentoring, and neighborhood transformation through their groundbreaking mural program. Since 1984 the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program (MAP) has created over 2,600 murals and works of public art, earning Philadelphia international recognition as the "City of Murals." MAP engages over 100 communities and 300 artists each year in the transformation of neighborhoods through the mural-making process. MAP's award-winning, free art education programs serve nearly 3,000 at-risk youth at sites throughout the city. MAP also offers special educational outreach programs in local prisons and rehabilitation centers in an effort to use the restorative power of art to break the cycle of crime and violence in our communities.

Learning Landscapes of Denver

For their role in strengthening Denver's public elementary schools and their surrounding neighborhoods by designing new multi-dimensional school playgrounds. Born out of a unique partnership between the Bromwell Elementary School and Professor Lois Brink and her students at the University of Colorado in 1993, Learning Landscapes has been redefining playgrounds through in-depth community outreach and a visionary approach to playground design for over 15 years. The organization has strengthened the Denver Public School system by creating innovative avenues for participatory learning, increasing recreational opportunities, and providing much needed green space in otherwise heavily urban neighborhoods. After creating nearly 48 "learning landscapes" to date, the organization continues their quest to serve the city's most underserved neighborhoods.