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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