Program Details
WHEN: Sep 18, 2025
TIME: 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8TH | 5:30 - 9:00 PM | PIONEER | $4-$15
Presented every two years, the Mayor's Awards for Excellence in Arts & History celebrate people, organizations, and businesses that contribute to Boise's creative and cultural community. Award recipients must have demonstrated distinguished service, creative accomplishment, and a record of publication, presentation or research that enhances Boise's artistic, historic, and broader cultural life.
2025 MAYOR'S AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN ARTS & HISTORY
Join Boise Mayor Lauren McLean and the Boise City Department of Arts & History on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 6 p.m. in the Pioneer Room at Jack's Urban Meeting Place (JUMP) to recognize distinguished service in the following categories:
Excellence in the Arts
Ballet Idaho – Professional Ballet Company
Frank Goitia – Visual Artist, Painter
Serenata Orchestra – Community Orchestra
Excellence in History
Gwyn Hervochon – Associate Professor and Archivist, Albertsons Library, Boise State University
Excellence in Education
Alex Sjobeck, Derek Ganong, and the Gene Harris All-Stars Jazz Program at Boise State University – After-school program designed for high school students
Support of the Cultural Sector
Esther and Skip Oppenheimer – Community Members
Emerging Artist
Hallie Maxwell – Interdisciplinary Artist
Lifetime Achievement
Mark Hofflund – Managing Director, Idaho Shakespeare Festival
On the same evening, Mayor McLean will announce the next City of Boise Cultural Ambassador for 2026 and 2027. Learn more.
Event Schedule
5:30 p.m. Doors open & No-host Bar Service
6:00 p.m. Performances by Pendulum Early Music and Story Story Night
6:30 p.m. Awards Ceremony
8:30 p.m. Social Hour
On the same evening, Mayor McLean will also appoint the 2026-2027 City of Boise Cultural Ambassador. Learn more.
The evening will feature performances by Pendulum Early Music and Story Story Night. Evening host and music by KRVB - 94.9 The River's Tim Johnstone. Dinner catered by Thomas Cuisine Management. No host bar.
Tickets
General Admission: $45 | Child (under the age of 12): $15
Sponsored Table (seats 8): $550