PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2025
Contact: Mira Lamson Klein
dce@hocoarts.org
(410) 313-2787
Call for Howie Award Nominations and Rising Star Performing Arts Competition Applications
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – The Howard County Arts Council seeks nominations for the 2025 Howie Awards and applications for the Rising Star Performing Arts Competition.
Celebrate those who create, teach, and support the arts in Howard County by nominating someone for a Howie Award! The Howie Awards are presented annually to an Outstanding Artist, Arts Educator, and Community Supporter of the Arts (business or individual) that have made significant contributions to the arts in Howard County. The 2025 Howie Awards will be presented at the Celebration of the Arts in Howard County on October 25, 2025.
Nominations are due April 7, 2025. For full guidelines and to submit an online nomination form, please visit hocoarts.org/celebration.
Those who nominate a 2025 Howie Honoree will receive two complimentary tickets to the Celebration of the Arts.
Please note: Previous honorees, current members of the Howard County Arts Council Board of Directors, and Howie Committee members are not eligible. Honorees will be notified in writing no later than June 20, 2025.
Early career performing artists who live, work, train, or perform in Howard County could win $5,000 in the Rising Star Performing Arts Competition!
Applications are now open for the 2025 Rising Star Performing Arts Competition. Performers, both individuals and ensembles (maximum of four members), ages 18-35, who live, work, train, or perform in Howard County are encouraged to apply. Up to ten finalists will be selected to perform at the Celebration of the Arts in Howard County on October 25, 2025. Following the performances, the audience-including over 500 artists, arts patrons, community members, and business and political leaders-will cast their votes for the winner of the $5,000 prize.
Applications are accepted in Voice (classical, musical theatre, and other), Instrumental Music, Dance, and Theatre/Monologue. Performing artists who do not fall into a traditional category are also encouraged to apply.
Applications are due May 1, 2025, by 5pm. Auditions will be held at the Center for the Arts in Ellicott City on May 12, 2025. Please visit hocoarts.org/celebration for complete details, guidelines, and to apply.
For more information, please visit hocoarts.org or call the Arts Council at (410) 313-2787.
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Celebration Tickets – On Sale Now!
Don’t miss the best night of the year! The 27th annual Celebration of the Arts in Howard County will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 6-10 pm at the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center at Howard Community College (HCC) in Columbia. Tonya Aikens, President and CEO of the Howard County Library System, will act as Honorary Chair for the evening. Terry N. Eberhardt will serve as Event Emcee. The evening kicks off at 6pm with a 2-hour reception where guests will have the opportunity to bid on artwork from the Art Auction, indulge in the delicious creations of some of Howard County’s best culinary artists, and buy raffle tickets for their chance to win one of the Celebration baskets. At 8pm, guests will take their seats to enjoy the Rising Star Performing Arts Competition and the presentation of the Howie Awards. Nine talented, local finalists will vie for the audience vote for the $5,000 cash prize. In between dazzling performances, the Howie Awards will applaud the significant contributions of this year’s honorees who create, teach, and support the arts in our community. At the end of the evening, our audience’s choice for this year’s Rising Star will be announced!
Experience Howard County’s signature arts gala! Tickets are available now: $100 (includes reception and live performance in the Smith Theatre), and $50 (includes reception and simulcast viewing in the Studio Theatre.). Reserve your seats online at www.hocoarts.org/celebration or call 410-313-ARTS (2787).
Explore sponsorship opportunities and volunteer roles today. For more details, visit the links or contact 410-313-ARTS (2787). Proceeds from the Celebration support the Arts Council’s grant and education initiatives.