For 27 years, the Ordway annually honored members of Minnesota’s artistic community with Sally Awards, which recognize and celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of artists, educators, volunteers, philanthropists, and leaders who strengthen and enrich our state with their commitment to the arts. In 2020, we were unable to gather in person—but felt the celebration of the arts was more vital to the health of our community than ever before. So in December of 2020, the Ordway created this film to reintroduce the work of Black men, past Sally Award recipients, whose artistry has made an impact locally, across the country, and around the world.
In a special presentation narrated by Minnesota Public Radio President Duchesne Drew, we highlight the work of three artists whose commitment to racial and social justice and healing has been further inspired by recent events. We honor Lou Bellamy, 1994 Sally Award Winner and Founder and Artistic Director Emeritus of Penumbra Theatre Company; Gary Hines, 2004 Sally Award Winner and Music Director and Producer of the three-time Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness; and Seitu Jones, 2005 Sally Award Winner and multi-disciplinary public artist and Co-Founder of Frogtown Farm.
Visionaries Who Matter is directed and executive produced by Robin Hickman-Winfield, Ordway Organizational and Community Partnership Strategist, director of Taking Our Place Centerstage, and executive producer of SoulTouch Productions.