SPARK AWARDS

October 6, 2026 | 4pm – 7pm | The Barrel Factory

The Spark Awards, presented by Arts Services Inc., celebrate the artists, organizations, educators, advocates, and creative leaders whose work strengthens Western New York’s arts and cultural community. Through an open nomination process reviewed by a panel of industry peers, the awards recognize outstanding creativity, leadership, collaboration, and community impact across Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties.

2026 Event Details

Tuesday, October 6, 2026
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
The Barrel Factory, 65 Vandalia Street, Buffalo NY 14204

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Sponsor Spark

MEET OUR 2026 SPONSORS

Champion Sponsor

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Spark Awards are a celebration of Western New York’s creative community! Enjoy an evening of live music, entertainment, hands-on arts activities, hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and plenty of opportunities to connect with artists, cultural organizations, and community leaders from across the region.

There’s no formal dress code – most guests choose business casual or cocktail attire, but you’re welcome to come however you feel most comfortable.

PAST SPARK MOMENTS

Photo Credit: Alana Adetola Arts Photography & Nick Butler

PAST SPARK AWARD HONOREES

Artist of the Year

2021 Winner: Jalen A. Law
2021 Honoree: Chantal Calato
2021 Honoree: Stephen Solook
2020 Winner: JoAnn Falletta
2020 Honoree: Chris J. Handley
2020 Honoree: Edreys Wajed
2019 Winner: Muhammad Zaman
2019 Honoree: Julia Bottoms
2019 Honoree: Caitlin Cass
2018 Winner: Fotini Galanes
2018 Honoree: Gary Earl Ross
2018 Honoree: Keith Harrington
2017 Winner: Drea d’Nur
2017 Honoree: David Moog
2017 Honoree: Gary Sczerbaniewicz
2016 Winner: Adam Zyglis
2016 Honoree: Zuri Elise Appleby
2016 Honoree: Chuck Tingley
2015 Winner: David Michael Miller
2015 Honoree: Sarah Fonzi
2015 Honoree: Ntare Ali Gault
2014 Winner: Shasti O’Leary Soudant
2014 Honoree: Mikel Wintermantel
2014 Honoree: MarCe Zerrate

Arts Organization of the Year

2021 Winner: CEPA Gallery
2021 Honoree: Buffalo Opera Unlimited
2021 Honoree: Locust Street Art
2020 Winner: 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center
2020 Honoree: O’Connell & Company
2020 Honoree: Unique Theatre Co.
2019 Winner: Buffalo Sugar City
2019 Honoree: National Comedy Center
2019 Honoree: Road Less Traveled Productions
2018 Winner: Buffalo Arts Studio
2018 Honoree: Niagara Falls National Heritage Area
2018 Honoree: Resource: Art
2017 Winner: Kenan Center
2017 Honoree: 1891 Fredonia Opera House
2017 Honoree: Springville Center for the Arts
2016 Winner: Just Buffalo Literary Center
2016 Honoree: Buffalo Choral Arts Society
2016 Honoree: Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
2015 Winner: Niagara Arts & Cultural Center
2015 Honoree: Albright-Knox Art Gallery
2015 Honoree: Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Center for Comedy
2014 Winner: Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
2014 Honoree: Squeaky Wheel/Buffalo Media Resources
2014 Honoree: Torn Space Theater

Advocate for the Cultural Sector

2017, WNED/WBFO
2016, Niagara Tourism & Convention Corporation
2015, Paul Hogan
2014, Lynn Marinelli

Arts Integration

2021, Thembi Duncan, Shea’s, and Buffalo PD’s Body Language Training Program
2020, Children’s Guild Foundation Autism Spectrum Disorder Center at Oishei Children’s Hospital
2019, Sam Savarino
2018, Learning Disabilities Association of WNY
2017, Roswell Park Cancer Institute
2016, Elgin Wolfe & Tri-Main Development
2015, Dr. Timothy Murphy and the University at Buffalo Clinical and Translational Research Center

Cultural Ambassador

2016, Tom Toles (The Washington Post)
2015, Tom Calderone (President VH1)

DEC Program of the Year

2021, Defiant Monkey Improv’s “The Brain of Dr. Delgado”
2020, Lewiston Council on the Arts’ Iroquois Market
2019, Annette Daniels Taylor for “Heritage Walk: Traveling Buffalo’s Underground Railroad Seminar and Workshop”
2018, Lockport Public Arts Council: Sweet Chalk Festival
2017, University District Community Development Association in collaboration with Nicholas Conrad Miller for “Bailey Fights Blight” Mural Program
2016, 710 Main Theatre and Buffalo Laboratory Theatre for “The Mystery of the Silver Chalice”
2015, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Fine Arts Program
2014, Karen Sirgey with Niagara Wheatfield High School

Leading Where You Are

2021, Nancy Clarke Mariani
2021, Michael Quinniey
2021, Jose Rodriguez
2021, Gaitrie Subryan

Legacy Award

2018, Robert G. Wilmers
2017, M. Jacquie Lodico
2014, Burton Notarius

Lifetime Achievement

2021, Patrick Fagan
2020, Vincent O’Neill
2019, Craig Centrie
2018, Thomas Burrows
2017, Anthony C. Conte
2016, Saul Elkin
2015, Jonathan Rogers
2014, Molly Bethel (Locust Street Art)

Supporter of the Cultural Sector

2021, Cullen Foundation
2020, Joel Feroleto
2019, John McKendry
2018, John & Carolyn Yurtchuk
2017, M&T Bank
2016, Buffalo Spree Magazine
2015, Rigidized Metals (Silo City)
2014, Fund for the Arts

Trailblazer of the Arts

2021, Aitina Fareed-Cooke
2020, Michele Agosto
2019, Rob Lynch
2018, Michael J. Beam

Unsung Hero

2021, Joan Fishburn (Amherst Symphony Orchestra)
2020, Beth Pedersen (Buffalo Society of Artists)
2019, Clyde Terry (Shea’s Performing Arts Center)
2018, Friends of the Japanese Gardens
2017, Rita Argen Auerbach
2016, Carl Klingenschmitt & Sue Fay Allen (Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra)
2015, Gerald Mead
2014, Dick and Carmen Gilman (1891 Fredonia Opera House)

SUPPORT THE SPARK AWARDS

Sponsorship opportunities are still available! Align your organization with one of Western New York’s premier celebrations of arts and culture while helping recognize the artists, organizations, and creative leaders who strengthen our communities.

Sponsor by September 4, 2026, to receive full sponsorship benefits.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Spark Awards