2023 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 2023 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 2023 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.

Hideki Noda

Artistic Director, Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre

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

Lara Foot

CEO and Artistic Director, Baxter Theatre Centre

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.

Maria Claudia Parias Durán

Executive President, Batuta Foundation

Angel Award Recipient

Douglas H. Wheeler

President Emeritus, Washington Performing Arts

“While we received many worthy nominations, the Board was unanimous in their endorsement on the 2023 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 ceremony to be held during the New York 2023 ISPA Congress, Urgency of Now, on Thursday, January 12, 2023. The ceremony will be hosted by Paul Tam, Executive Director, Performing Arts, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, Hong Kong (China).