The awards, co-sponsored by Hollins University and Roanoke College, recognize individuals, businesses and organizations in the greater Roanoke region that provide exemplary leadership and support around the arts.
Kendig Awards are presented in each of the following categories:
- Individual Artist (selected from all disciplines, including dance, literature, music, media arts, visual arts and theater)
- Arts and/or Cultural Organization
- Individual or Business Arts Supporter
Individuals, businesses and organizations from Virginia’s Blue Ridge region (which includes the counties of Botetourt, Franklin and Roanoke; the cities of Roanoke and Salem; and the town of Vinton) are eligible, as are past Kendig Award recipients from 1985-2012. Programs and individuals at Hollins and Roanoke College are eligible to be nominated.
The Kendig Awards are named for the late Perry F. Kendig, who served as president of Roanoke College and was an ardent supporter and patron of the arts. Established in his honor in 1985, the program provides important advocacy for the essential role that arts and culture play in our lives and communities, including economic development and education.
“My father would be very happy to know that the Kendig Awards continue to recognize artists, artistic organizations and supporters of the arts, both businesses and individuals,” said Bill Kendig, who remains involved as a member of the nominating committee.
The Kendig Awards were presented annually by the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge through 2012, at which time Hollins and Roanoke began to share the honor. The first Kendig Award winner, in 1985, was Dominion Bank. Over the years, an array of businesses, nonprofit organizations, artists and supporters have been honored with awards.
Organizations that have claimed the award have included the Roanoke Times & World News (now The Roanoke Times), Roanoke City Public Schools, Lime Kiln Arts, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, WVTF Public Radio, Roanoke Children’s Theatre, Mill Mountain Theatre, Southwest Virginia Ballet and many more. Individuals who have been honored have included the late Laban Johnson, co-host of “Cookin’ Cheap”; Julie Hunsaker, whose efforts helped save the historic Grandin Theatre; Local Colors icon Pearl Fu; and Ginger Poole, longtime director of Mill Mountain Theatre. A full list of recipients can be viewed on the Kendig Awards website.
The diversity of nominees and recipients through the years is illustrative of the Kendig program’s primary purpose: to celebrate and champion arts and culture in every form, and to demonstrate their vast impact in our region. During the program’s 40th anniversary year, the nominating committee hopes to receive a robust number of nominations for individuals and organizations.
The awards presentation and celebration this year will take place in Olin Hall on the Roanoke College campus on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. More details about the event will be announced at a later date.
Award Categories
One award will be presented in each category only (for a total of three (3) awards).
- Individual Artist (of all disciplines – dance, literature, music, media arts, visual arts, and theatre)
- Arts and/or Cultural Organization
- Individual or Business Arts Supporter
Please see the FAQ section for more information on the nomination process.
*Roanoke Regional Chamber defines Virginia’s Blue Ridge as the counties of Botetourt, Franklin, and Roanoke, and the cities of Salem, Roanoke, and the Town of Vinton.
Important Note
The Perry F. Kendig Arts and Culture Awards is a programmatic offering between Hollins University and Roanoke College since 2013. Past Perry F. Kendig Awards recipients from 1985-2012 are eligible for consideration – see complete lists:
Kendig Award Recipients from 1985-2012
Kendig Award Nominees Winners 2013 to present
Programs and full-time employees of Hollins University and Roanoke College are eligible to be nominated.
Deadline for Nominations
Nominations are now closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.) Are supporting materials important to include along with my nomination form?
A.) Yes, at least two supporting letters/documents are required; any additional information will help the review committee learn more about your nominee and why you feel they should be selected as a recipient of an award. We highly recommend including samples or links to work, especially for visual artists.
Q.) How are nominations evaluated?
A.) The review committee will evaluate nominations through the lens of three core categories:
- Leadership contributions (i.e., advocacy, education, formal leadership roles, development of the arts community);
- Patronage (i.e., participation and/or financial support); and
- Overall body of work and involvement in the local arts community.
A strong nomination provides examples or evidence to support excellence in the above listed categories. Two letters in support of the nomination are required and examples of work (especially for visual artists) are encouraged to supplement the basic nomination form.
Q.) How are review committee members selected?
A.) Hollins University and Roanoke College have selected faculty with expertise in arts and culture along with community supporters. In addition, past year’s recipients will also serve on the committee to ensure a comprehensive scope and understanding of arts and culture in the greater Roanoke region.
Q.) Where will the Perry F. Kendig Arts and Culture Awards ceremony take place?
A.) The awards will alternate between Hollins University and Roanoke College. The 2025 awards presentation will take place on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Roanoke College, with more details to come.
Q.) The organization/individual I want to nominate was a past recipient of a Perry F. Kendig Award. Are they eligible?
A.) Yes. As of 2013, and the new collaboration and programmatic offering between Hollins University and Roanoke College, only past recipients during 1985 and 2012 are eligible moving forward.