by guest contributor Tamara Buchwald
Photo credit: Courtesy of DC Gov.
The 40th Annual DC Mayor’s Arts Awards Lit Up the National Theatre – Oh, what a night it was! The lights dimmed, the aisles were cleared and the party started. The fabulous Crush Funk Band burst onto the scene, second-line style, marching down the aisles in a New Orleans–inspired parade setting the tone for a thrilling celebration of Washington DC’s rich and vibrant creative community. The event transformed the historic National Theatre into a joyous tribute to artistic excellence, cultural resilience and the power of community.
Crush Funk Band
As the DC arts scene’s most prestigious night, the Mayor’s Arts Awards are more than just a ceremony — they are a legacy. For four decades, the awards have stood as the District’s highest honor in the arts, humanities, and creative industries. First established to spotlight and support the city’s extraordinary artists, educators, and innovators, the awards have grown in stature, recognizing not just individual achievement, but also the critical role the arts play in DC’s cultural and economic fabric.
Tommy McFly
This year, the event was hosted by the charismatic Tommy McFly, who opened with heartfelt gratitude. “What you do as artists,” he told the audience, “you make our city shine bright well beyond the marble of the Mall — in our neighborhoods, all eight wards, and all four quadrants.”His words set a tone of appreciation and pride that resonated throughout the evening. McFly also thanked Mayor Muriel Bowser for her unwavering commitment to the arts, applauding her for continuing the legacy of the Mayor’s Arts Awards. He acknowledged the vital support of the DC Council, the Commission on the Arts and Humanities, and the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment, all of whom played pivotal roles in making the night possible.
Mayor Muriel Bowser
The Mayors Arts Awards were created in 1985 by the DC Commission of the Arts and Humanities, during the tenure of Mayor Marion Barry, establishing a bold, new tradition–a celebration of the power of the arts. The Mayors Arts Awards were established as the districts highest honor for creative excellence. They highlight the achievement of those in the arts but also highlights the power in the industries in the District of Columbia. Under the direction of Mayor Murial Bowser, the entire city can nominate and vote for their favorite creators via online voting in fifteen categories and the winners are celebrated in grand fashion at the Mayor Arts Awards.
Cora Masters Barry
The impressive list of presenters included: Cora Masters Barry, Recreation Wish List Committee Founder & CEO, Reggie Van Lee, Philanthropist,Washington DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities Chair, Tressa Smallwood, Megamind Media CEO, Paul Wharton, Emmy-nominated TV Host & Author, Sharonda Davila-Irving, Style Strategist and Bloom CEO and Ron Moten, Go-Go Museum Co-Founder.
The evening unfolded with emotional acceptance speeches, stunning performances by celebrated soprano Symone Harcum, grammy-nominated recording artist Eric Robertsonm DC’s own band Black Alley, the Washington Ballet and many more talented artists. There were many heartfelt tributes — a reminder that the arts are not only alive in DC but flourishing. From grassroots community projects to internationally acclaimed artists, the awards highlighted the diversity and depth of creativity that exists throughout the city.
Symone Harcum
During the ceremony, the Bowser Administration presented two prestigious awards honoring exceptional service and lasting impact on Washington, DC’s creative community. The Mayor’s Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement was awarded to Blues Alley, the nation’s oldest continuously operating jazz supper club. This year marks its 60th anniversary. Blues Alley has been a pillar of DC’s cultural landscape—helping define the city’s reputation as a global music destination and nurturing generations of jazz greats and devoted audiences.
Harry Sennipper
The Mayor’s Arts Award for Distinguished Honor was presented to Gretchen Wharton, a lifelong Washingtonian and arts advocate. Wharton played a pivotal role in transforming Art All Night from a neighborhood event in Shaw into a free, citywide celebration across all eight wards.
This event is attended by thousands of district residents which generates tens of millions of dollars for local businesses. For years, she has been a steadfast advocate for the arts in the District—empowering local artists, reinforcing the city’s cultural organizations, and helping to preserve Washington, DC’s role as a dynamic center for artistic expression and creative growth. The 40th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards was not just a ceremony — it was a celebration of legacy, community, and boundless creativity. And as the music echoed through the theater and into the
night, one thing was clear: DC’s artistic spirit is brighter than ever.
And oh, what a night it truly was.
