No, all and any of the arts are eligible for nomination.
2025 Golden Paintbrush Awards
Nominations for the 2025 Golden Paintbrush Awards are now open!
Any kind of art can be nominated if it demonstrates some civic engagement, from imaginative sidewalk decorations or street events to contributions to Ann Arbor's public spaces by large local organizations. Anyone can submit a nomination, of their own work or not, and submissions could have been temporary (an ice sculpture or poetry event for example) if photos or video are provided. The Golden Paintbrush is in two segments: three winners selected by a panel of judges and a People’s Choice Award selected by the public.
The judging panel will base their choice on art which demonstrates collaboration and excellence, and which adds a bit of magic to daily life. Visual, music and other arts, including online or temporary works, are eligible provided they are visible and accessible to the public in Ann Arbor.
Nominations must be received by August 1, 2025.
Commonly asked questions
Is the Award for visual art only?
Is the Award given to people or projects?
Judges select the winning projects, and individuals are awarded based on their roles. Winners receive a primary award and participant certificates. A People’s Choice Award will also be given, chosen by public vote from works selected by the judges.
Nominations can be submitted using the nomination form before August 1. The plan is for the 2025 winners to be awarded in late fall, followed by recognition at a City Council meeting.
Who can nominate for the Award?
Anyone can nominate projects, artists, or organizations. You do not have to be an Ann Arbor resident. Your nominee nominated project must be located within the city, accessible and visible, and must not have been completed more than 36 months prior to the deadline.
Yes, you can nominate a project you created or worked on as long as the project is located within the City.
Who is eligible to receive the Award?
A project or organization is given the award. Individuals who create, work on, finance, or support a creative project will receive a certificate. The awardees do not have to be residents of Ann Arbor.
How many Golden Paintbrush Awards will be awarded?
Up to four projects can be honored with a Golden Paintbrush Award. The number of certificates awarded per project will be determined by the judges.
Who judges the nominations and selects the winners?
A panel of up to five judges will be chosen by the Ann Arbor Public Art Commission. The judges represent residents and leaders in the arts, education, and business communities.
How will the nominations be judged?
Nominations will be judged on craftsmanship, visibility, creativity, impact and civic engagement. The People's Choice Award will be selected by voters on the Golden Paintbrush website.
What will winners receive if a project is awarded a Golden Paintbrush?
Winners receive a certificate and a specially commissioned tile at a City Council meeting as well as recognition of their work on the city website and social media channels. AAPAC will publicize the event as well as post the winners on the Golden Paintbrush website.
Can a person receive more than one Golden Paintbrush award?
The award is for a creative project, so it is possible for someone to receive more than one award. There is no limit, including within each award cycle.