2022 ISPA Award Recipients Announced

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On behalf of the Board of Directors, the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) announces the recipients of the New York 2022 ISPA Awards. The first ISPA Award was presented in 1975 to Beverly Sills. Since then, ISPA has continued to recognize outstanding individuals for their contribution to the arts and their communities. The 2022 award recipients are as follows:

Distinguished Artist Award Recipient

Presented to artists who have made an outstanding contribution of talent, artistry, dedication, and service to the world of the performing arts.

Jack Charles

Artist

"Acknowledged as the grandfather of Aboriginal theatre in Australia, Jack Charles co-founded the first Aboriginal theatre company has an acting career that spans over six decades. Uncle Jack embodies the spirit of the Distinguished Artist Award."

International Citation of Merit Recipient

Presented for unique lifetime achievement which has enriched the international performing arts. This Award is not for performance but rather for distinguished service working within the profession

Carmen Romero Quero

General Director of Fundación Teatro a Mil (Teatro a Mil Foundation) and Festival Internacional Santiago a Mil (Santiago a Mil International Festival)

“From the beginning, Ms. Romero has been a fierce advocate for internationalizing the performing arts. She is a leader in Latin America’s contemporary arts scene, adding to Santiago, Chile’s transformation into a global cultural capital.”

Patrick Hayes Award Recipient

Inspired by the legacy of Patrick Hayes, the founding President of the International Society of the Performing Arts Foundation, this Award recognizes an ISPA member in any stage of their career who has demonstrated transformative leadership in the performing arts.

Anthony Sargent CBE

International Cultural Advisor

“(Anthony Sargent’s) visionary work as founding CEO of the Sage Gateshead is but one example of his brand of transformative leadership, which is humble, inspirational, and collaborative.”

“While we received many worthy nominations, the Board was unanimous in their endorsement on the 2022 awardees. The recipients reflect the richness of diversity that the ISPA membership represents” said ISPA Chief Executive Officer David Baile.

The awards will be presented at a virtual ceremony to be held during the New York 2022 ISPA Congress, Opportunity of Now, on Thursday, January 13, 2022. The ceremony will be hosted by Govin Ruben, TerryandTheCuz.