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The City of Raleigh Arts Commission will present twelve of the City’s highest honors in the arts at the 2026 Raleigh Medal of Arts Awards Ceremony, to be held at Stewart Theatre in NC State University's Talley Student Union on October 19, 2026.
The 2026 Raleigh Medal of Arts Awards will feature presentations and performances celebrating extraordinary achievements in the arts and honoring the artists, organizations, and community leaders who have helped shape Raleigh’s vibrant cultural landscape.
The 2026 Medal of Art recipients:
- Lauren Kennedy Brady
- Alec and Georgia Donaldson
- Chasta Hamilton
- Living in Color Exhibit
- Peter Marin
- Rafael A. Osuba
- Michelle Pearson
- Zalman (“Zali”) Raffael
- Seed Art Share
- Lizette Cruz Watko
Lauren Kennedy Brady
Lauren Kennedy Brady is an actor, producer, arts leader, and educator whose work has helped shape Raleigh’s performing arts community for more than two decades. As the founder and producing artistic director of Theatre Raleigh, she has expanded opportunities for artists and audiences while bringing nationally recognized productions and performers to the region. A Broadway performer and Tony Award nominee, Kennedy Brady has balanced a distinguished performing career with a commitment to arts education, community engagement, and strengthening Raleigh’s cultural landscape through accessible, high-quality theatrical experiences.
Alec and Georgia Donaldson
Alec and Georgia Donaldson are arts advocates, volunteers, and philanthropists whose decades of leadership have strengthened Raleigh’s cultural community. Through extensive board service, fundraising leadership, and volunteer engagement, they have helped generate millions of dollars in support for arts organizations across North Carolina. Alec has served in leadership roles with numerous local arts organizations and as a performer, while Georgia has led major fundraising initiatives that have expanded support for the arts. Together, they have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to arts access, community engagement, and cultural stewardship.
Chasta Hamilton
Chasta Hamilton is an arts entrepreneur, author, speaker, and advocate whose work explores the role of the arts in personal growth and community impact. As founder and owner of Stage Door Dance Productions, she has developed innovative approaches to arts education that emphasize leadership, creativity, and service alongside artistic excellence. A choreographer, educator, and author, Hamilton has inspired thousands of young people through dance, community engagement, and mentorship. Her work continues to demonstrate how the arts can foster resilience, belonging, and lifelong learning.
Living in Color Exhibition
Living in Color is a public art exhibition that celebrates the work of artists of color and highlights the diverse cultural experiences of communities throughout the American South. Presented annually during Black History Month, the exhibition has become a significant platform for artistic expression, community dialogue, and cultural visibility. Since its founding in 2023, Living in Color has featured more than 100 artists and welcomed thousands of visitors. Through free public access and broad community participation, the exhibition has expanded opportunities for artists while enriching Raleigh’s cultural landscape.
Peter Marin
Peter Marin is a visual artist, curator, and cultural producer whose work bridges contemporary art, community engagement, and cultural heritage. Born in Mexico City and now based in Raleigh, Marin creates projects that connect people through storytelling, public art, and shared cultural experiences. His work has been featured in museums, public collections, and community spaces throughout North Carolina. Through exhibitions, artist residencies, and initiatives celebrating traditional Mexican arts and culture, Marin has expanded opportunities for cultural exchange and artistic participation across the region.
Rafael A. Osuba
Rafael A. Osuba is an artist, storyteller, publisher, and cultural producer whose work has expanded access to arts and culture throughout North Carolina. As founder of Artist Studio Project, the El Quixote Festival, and Artist Studio Project Publishing, he has created opportunities for artists, authors, educators, and communities to connect through literature, visual arts, and cultural programming. Guided by a belief in collaboration and public access, Osuba has dedicated more than three decades to building inclusive cultural experiences that celebrate diverse stories, foster belonging, and strengthen communities.
Michelle Pearson
Michelle Pearson is a choreographer, educator, performer, and community arts leader whose work has influenced North Carolina’s dance community for more than three decades. As founding artistic director of Black Box Dance Theatre, she creates collaborative works that connect artists with veterans, educators, scientists, students, and community members. Her nationally recognized projects use dance as a tool for storytelling, dialogue, and connection. Through performance, education, and civic engagement, Pearson has demonstrated the power of dance to build empathy, strengthen communities, and inspire meaningful social impact.
Zalman “Zali” Raffael
Zalman “Zali” Raffael is a choreographer, arts leader, and educator who serves as Artistic Director and CEO of Carolina Ballet. A former dancer with the company, he has guided Carolina Ballet through a period of artistic growth, institutional development, and community expansion. Since becoming artistic director, he has created numerous original works while balancing classical repertoire with new artistic voices. His leadership has strengthened the organization’s educational programs, accessibility initiatives, and long-term vision, ensuring that ballet remains a vibrant and accessible part of North Carolina’s cultural life.
Seed Art Share
Seed Art Share is a Raleigh-based theatre organization dedicated to creating meaningful arts experiences through performance, education, and community engagement. Since 2010, the organization has presented productions in nontraditional venues while building partnerships with local businesses, cultural institutions, and community organizations. Through arts education programs, outreach initiatives, and innovative support for parents and caregivers in the theatre industry, Seed Art Share has expanded access to the performing arts and fostered creative participation for audiences of all ages throughout the Triangle region.
Lizette Cruz Watko
Lizette Cruz Watko is a cultural leader, entrepreneur, media pioneer, and advocate whose work has advanced Latino arts and culture in North Carolina for more than thirty years. As founder of the Diamante Arts & Cultural Center, she has created opportunities for Latino artists, cultural practitioners, and emerging leaders while fostering greater appreciation for Latino heritage and contributions. A trailblazer in Spanish-language media and community engagement, Cruz Watko has built lasting institutions, strengthened cultural connections, and expanded opportunities for artistic and civic participation across the state.
