Charleston, WV - The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) is excited to announce a new award to celebrate diversity in the arts.

As West Virginia’s premier performing arts organization, the WVSO is leading the charge to highlight efforts of growing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts. The WVSO is proud to announce the creation of the “Diversity in the Arts” award which aims to recognize significant contributions of an individual or organization in the State of West Virginia that has influenced and/or increased diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the Arts. Acknowledging and celebrating leadership and excellence in advancing DEI, the awardee serves as a role model and champion as they exemplify DEI support, resources or involvement in various communities, outreach, service, educational or other activities that foster inclusion and belonging for everyone. The WVSO will work with the award recipient(s) to provide beneficial exposure of the artist’s/organization’s work to the community.

“I’m thrilled to be joining an organization that places such high emphasis on making strides in increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the arts,” said new Music Director Maurice Cohn. “We look forward to celebrating and collaborating with those who are making a difference in the face of art in West Virginia.”

The WVSO is now accepting online nominations through the online portal at wvsymphony.org/diversity-in-the-arts-award. Submissions will be accepted until September 30, 2023, at 11:59 p.m.

Awards will be made at the discretion of the WVSO’s Board of Directors. The Board’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee will receive nominations and take a recommendation to the Board of Directors’ Executive Committee for approval. The DEI Committee may or may not choose to grant an award in a given year. Members of the DEI Committee may not make nominations but members of the WVSO Board of Directors, not engaged in the DEI Committee, may do so.

For more information about the award, please visit wvsymphony.org/diversity-in-the-arts-award or contact Development Director Jessica Silber at [email protected].

The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra is West Virginia’s premier performing arts organization, presenting classical, pops, family and chamber-music concerts annually throughout the Mountain State. Currently entering its 84th season, the WVSO is a proud member of the community and enriches the region by providing affordable, high-quality concerts, collaborations with West Virginia arts organizations and a nationally award-winning education program.