2026 AAME Arts Achievement Award Gala

The Arts Alliance Mountain Empire's annual Arts Achievement Award gala recognizes living individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the arts in the region.

This year's gala will be held Saturday, May 16 at 6:00 p.m. at the Bristol Convention Center, Bristol, Virginia. The event includes cocktails, dinner, live music, a silent auction and the award presentation. Tickets are $100 per person or $800 for a table of eight (includes one drink, cash bar available).

The five annual award winners come from these categories: Artist—achievement in theater, music, dance, visual arts, or literary arts; Arts Educator—achievement in arts education in a college or university, primary or secondary school; Arts Administrators—achievement in the management of arts institutions; and Arts Advocates—achievement in sustaining the arts through volunteering or financial support.

The nominees must reside in the cities of Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, Virginia, or Bristol, Tennessee; Washington and Sullivan Counties in Tennessee; or Washington County, Virginia.

The nomination process begins in January, the winners are chosen in March, and the gala celebration is held in May each year.