Obelisk Awards
Celebrating the leaders and organizations strengthening arts and culture across North Texas.
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 Marriot Dallas Arts District
Co-Chaired by Andrea Nayfa and Michael Janicek
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.
Obelisk Award Categories
Business Champion for the Arts
Recognizing a business whose long-term support has strengthened arts and culture in North Texas.
Emerging Business Champion for the Arts
Honoring a rising organization demonstrating early leadership and investment in the arts.
Arts Education
Celebrating programs or partnerships expanding access to arts education.
Arts Partnership
Recognizing impactful collaborations between the arts and business communities.
New Arts Initiative
Highlighting innovative programs, ideas, or efforts advancing the arts in new ways.
Outstanding Leadership Arts Alumnus
Honoring a Leadership Arts graduate making a meaningful impact through continued leadership and engagement.
Get Involved
Nominate a Leader or Organization
Help us recognize those making an impact today.
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.
Look Back at the 2025 Obelisk Honorees
The Business Council for the Arts celebrates the winners of the 2025 Obelisk Awards. These honorees exemplify the vision, generosity, and leadership that fuel North Texas’s thriving arts and culture community.
Business Honorees
CMC
Arts Education
Nominated by Jessica Bell, Faculty, Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, and George Tobolowsky, Visual Artist.
Peterbilt
Arts Partnership
Nominated by Harry Eady, Executive Director, Denton Black Film Festival, Dr. Karen Hutzel, Dean, College of Visual Arts and Design, University of North Texas, and Krissi Oden, Executive Director, Greater Denton Arts Council.
Mullen & Mullen Injury Law
New Arts Initiative
Nominated by Kristina Kirkenaer-Hart, Director of Cultural Tourism, Visit Dallas.
Individual Honorees
Quincy Roberts
Business Champion for the Arts
Nominated by Michelle Miller Burns, Ross Perot President and CEO of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Ian Derrer, Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO, The Dallas Opera, and Roger Gault, Board Chair, Dallas Symphony Orchestra and President, Gault Company.
Peter Zwick
Emerging Business Champion for the Arts
Nominated by Terry Han and Holly Miori, the current and former Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Harry W. Bass School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology, University of Texas at Dallas, and Evan Singer, Partner, Jones Day.
Ahava Silkey-Jones
Outstanding Leadership Arts Alumna
Nominated by Jorge Baldor, Founder, Latino Arts Project, Frankie Garcia, Owner, FGIII Fine Arts Productions and Liz Scruggs, Associate Deputy Chief, Marketing and Communications, Dallas College.
Dr. Richard C. Benson
Lifetime Achievement
Nominated by Dr. Nils Roemer, Dean, Harry W. Bass School of Arts and Humanities, University of Texas at Dallas.
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.