To be eligible to receive a Dominion Energy ArtStars Award, organizations MUST:

• Meet the ArtStars definition of an arts organization: organizations that produce, present, or support dance, literary arts, media arts, music, theater, visual, and related arts including art therapy.
• Be headquartered in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Be registered as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
• Operate at least one qualifying arts and education program

NOTE: Previous ArtStars Awards recipients from the most recent year are not eligible to apply, and prior winners must wait one awards cycle before they become eligible to re-apply.

Each entry must include the following information:

• A summary of how the organization and its arts and education programs meets each of the criteria.
• One additional attachment, if desired (1 page max.), such as letter of recommendation, media coverage, patron comments, marketing piece, etc.; and
• A copy of the organization's total budget, as well as the percentage of funds used on all of its educational outreach programs and initiatives.

Also, the entry must specifically address each of the criteria below, as instructed:

• Adhere to eligibility, formatting and content requirements.
• Submissions must be approved by the organization's top executive (e.g., Executive Director).
• Online applications must be submitted by October 31, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.

Note: Entry Forms not adhering to the above directions will be disqualified.

Entries must address each of the following criteria in order to be considered. Strong entries will include detailed, specific examples of how your organization meets these criteria and documented program evaluation and impact measures.

1. Arts Education Program – Contributions, Merit and Innovation
• Describe how your organization engages students in your community. Include program name(s), core elements, types of students involved, outcomes, etc.
• Describe your program(s) in terms of its artistic merit (the perceived quality or value of program content and its participating artists and educators).
• Describe your use of innovation and/or adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., new technology, new teaching methods, art therapy, saves/sustains resources, etc.).


2. Extraordinary Community Impact
• Describe how your program addresses the needs of your community.
• Describe what changes you have made during the COVID-19 pandemic to continue reach your community.
• Provide specifics about the impact your organization has on the community (economic statistics, revitalization efforts) and how it lifts our spirits/enhances the community (e.g.,cultural, economic improvements).