"We should never take for granted the rich artistic and cultural heritage that we have here in Acadiana. There are few regions in this country that can rival the unique history and diversity of our arts community. That is why it is so important that we recognize and honor those people who continue our rich artistic traditions and those who build and strengthen new artistic efforts."
– Mart Hudson, President of the Acadiana Arts Council, 1995-1996

Since 1986 the Acadiana Arts Council has been promoting the recognition of the arts and artists in Acadiana through the Acadiana Arts Awards. This celebratory event salutes artists, arts organizations, arts educators, special projects, businesses and individuals from throughout Acadiana for outstanding contributions to the arts and our folk heritage.
Recognition is provided through the following awards:

Acadiana Arts Award
The Acadiana Arts Award is given to arts volunteers, professional artists, arts patrons, arts administrators, legislators, arts organizations or community organizations or individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the arts in Acadiana.

Arts in Business Award
The Arts in Business Award is given to an Acadiana business or corporation that has shown extraordinary support of the arts through investment of human or financial resources; purchase, preservation or display of regional art; or promotion and advertising of regional arts opportunities.

Arts in Education Award
The Arts in Education Award is given to an organization, individual, school district or community exhibiting outstanding use or support of arts in education.

Folk Heritage Award
The Acadiana Folk Heritage Award is given to a master folk artist who has made outstanding contributions to an artistic tradition. The award honors long-term achievement within art forms rooted in traditional or ethnic culture of Acadiana.

Distinguished Artist Award
The Distinguished Artist Award is given to an artist who has achieved a degree of excellence and who has received recognition for this work over a period of time.

Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award represents the highest recognition given by the Acadiana Arts Council to someone who has devoted a lifetime of service to the arts in Acadiana.

2001 Recipients

Acadiana Arts Award:
Tony Daigle

Arts in Business Award:
Burch, Marcus, Pool, Krupp, Daniel and Babineaux, Inc.

Arts in Education Award:
Scotty Walker and Joan Green

Folk Heritage Award:
Audrey Bernard

Distinguished Artist Award:
Darrell Bourque, Ph.D.