2026 Obelisk Awards
Celebrating the leaders and organizations strengthening arts and culture across North Texas.
2026 Obelisk Honorees
The Business Council for the Arts celebrates the North Texas businesses and individuals whose support strengthens arts and culture across the region.
Business Honorees
Arete Health
New Arts Initiative
Highlighting innovative programs, ideas, or efforts advancing the arts in new ways.
Nominated by Mike Lawson, Dallas Arts Advocate
New York Life – North Dallas
Arts Education
Celebrating programs or partnerships expanding access to arts education.
Nominated by Ken Novice and Adam Hunter, Broadway Dallas
Vinson & Elkins
Arts Partnership
Recognizing impactful collaborations between the arts and business communities.
Nominated by Nico Leone, KERA
Individual Honorees
Jeff Ellerman
Executive Vice Chairman, Stream Realty
Business Champion for the Arts
Recognizing a business whose long-term support has strengthened arts and culture in North Texas.
Nominated by Tamara Wootton Forsyth, Dallas Museum of Art, and Philip Haigh, The Loop Dallas
Kristina Kirkenaer-Hart
Director of Cultural Tourism and the Dallas Music Office, Visit Dallas
Outstanding Leadership Arts Alumna
Honoring a Leadership Arts graduate making a meaningful impact through continued leadership and engagement.
Nominated by Craig Davis, Visit Dallas, and Edwin Cabaniss, Kessler Presents
Tara Lewis
Founder, Arts Community Advocate
Lifetime Achievement
Honoring an individual who has dedicated their career to advancing arts and culture in North Texas.
Jury’s Choice
Event Details
At the intersection of business and the arts, the Obelisk Awards recognize those creating lasting impact in our communities.
November 5, 2026
11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
JW Marriott Dallas Arts District
Co-Chaired by Michael Janicek and Andrea Nayfa
Honorary Chair Donna Wilhelm
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Connoisseur Sponsors
Enthusiast Sponsors
John & Jennifer Eagle
Hospitality Sponsors
Patron Party Sponsor
Media Sponsor
Thank You to Our Underwriters
OutdoorAlbert Outdoor Advertising
Event ExperienceFauxcades
Branding and Design*Trace Element
Video SupportJersean Golatt and Raul Medina
PrintingArc
Collector Sponsors
Allie Beth Allman, Capital One
Aficionado Sponsors
Frost Bank
UTD – Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology
Catalyst Sponsors
- ALA LLC
- Baker Botts LLP
- Bank of Texas
- The Beck Group
- BG Strategic Partners
- Bourland Octave Management LLC
- Children’s Health
- Corgan
- Crow Museum of Asian Art of UT Dallas
- Dallas College School of Creative Arts, Entertainment & Design
- The Dallas Foundation
- Dallas Winds
- Haynes Boone LLP
- Holland & Knight LLP
- Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
- Jackson Walker LLP
- Jones Day
- KERA
- Lennox
- Tara Lewis
- The Loop Dallas
- Maintenance of America
- Pariveda Solutions
- Parkland Health
- Dotti Reeder
- SMU Meadows School of the Arts
- Stream Realty
- TACA
- Tolleson Wealth Management
- Troutman Pepper Locke LLP
- UT Southwestern Medical Center
- Visit Dallas
- Wells Fargo
- Kathleen Wu
Advocate Sponsors
1820 Productions, Dr. Natalie Davenport, KPost Company,
Carol March, Duane Morris, Powell Coleman & Arnold LLP
Special Thanks
The Business Council for the Arts recognizes
the Eugene McDermott Foundation for an extraordinary gift
honoring Leadership Arts Institute alumna Kristina Kirkenaer-Hart
About the Obelisk Awards
The Obelisk Awards recognize North Texas businesses and leaders whose contributions strengthen organizations and communities through the arts. For nearly four decades, BCA has celebrated those who set the standard for meaningful partnership between business and culture.
Why The Obelisk Awards Matter
The connection between business and the arts shapes stronger organizations, more vibrant communities, and a more dynamic North Texas. The Obelisk Awards highlight the leaders and partnerships making that impact possible.
Get Involved
Become a Sponsor
Align your brand with one of North Texas’ most respected platforms for business and the arts.
Attend the Event
Join us in celebrating the leaders shaping arts and culture across our region.
Celebrating 38 years of Obelisk Awards
The Obelisk Awards are a leading celebration of business, arts, and culture in North Texas. It’s powerful to hear of the lifetime differences volunteers, leaders, and philanthropists are making in our community.