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Encouraging Emerging Performing Artists

The Howard County Arts Council established the Rising Star Award in 2003 to provide opportunities for emerging performing artists with roots in Howard County. Each year, we choose up to 10 performing artists to compete for our $5,000 Rising Star award.

Application Currently Closed

Angelina Lim, Rising Star 2024, Celebration of the Arts (photo by Katie Simmons-Barth)
Angelina Lim playing the flute at the Celebration.

About the Rising Star Performing Arts Competition

Eligible performing artists can apply to be among the finalists who will perform at our Celebration of the Arts gala — with the winner voted on by the audience! The competition is open to performers, both individuals and ensembles (up to four members), ages 18-35, who live, train, work, or perform regularly in Howard County or have done so in the past.

Following the finalists’ performances at the gala, the audience — including over 500 artists, arts patrons, community members, and business and political leaders — casts their votes for the winner. Votes are tallied during the live event and the award winner is announced on stage! 

Rising Star Application Calendar

How It Works

About the Award

Application Guidelines

Artist Eligibility

How to Apply

Review Process

Review Criteria & Notification

Disbursement of Funds

Past Rising Star Winners

Questions?

Email deputydirector@hocoarts.org or contact us by phone Monday-Friday from 9:30am-4:30pm at  (410) 313-2787.