Saint Paul, Minnesota (February 12, 2026) — The Ordway Center for Performing Arts today announced the recipients of the 28th Sally Awards. The prestigious award celebrates Minnesota’s most visionary artists, educators, leaders and changemakers who strengthen the state’s cultural fabric through their dedication to the arts. This year’s awards mark the return of the program for the first time since 2019.
The 28th Sally Awards recipients are:
Arts Access
Leslie LeCuyer-Miezwa, honored for championing Minnesota Legacy Amendment arts funding and expanding equitable access to public arts support for rural communities and first-time applicants across central and greater Minnesota.
Arts Learning
FilmNorth and Andrew Peterson, honored for their transformative impact on media arts education through mentorship, training and hands-on learning that open pathways for emerging filmmakers and storytellers across Minnesota.
Arts Leadership
Neal Cuthbert, honored for nearly five decades of leadership advancing artists and arts organizations across Minnesota through his work at the McKnight Foundation and his practice as a visual artist, curator and writer.
Arts Vision
Tish Jones, honored for visionary leadership as a nationally recognized arts educator, cultural leader and founder of TruArtSpeaks, elevating Black Cultural practice and youth voice through spoken word and hip hop, and transforming stages into spaces for learning, empowerment and community change.
Arts Legacy
Margaret and Gilman Ordway, honored for their enduring legacy of leadership and philanthropy, and for their profound impact on the Ordway and the Schubert Club – institutions that have shaped Minnesota’s arts community for generations.
“As the Ordway recognized its 40th anniversary in 2025, we saw a meaningful moment to relaunch the Sally Awards and honor the artists, leaders and organizations who have shaped Minnesota’s cultural life,” said Ordway President and CEO Chris Harrington. “This year’s recipients exemplify the visionary leadership and commitment that have strengthened Minnesota’s arts ecosystem across generations.”
Over the past 30 years, the Sally Awards have recognized more than 100 individuals and institutions for their commitment to advancing arts access, education, and innovation across Minnesota. The Sally Awards are a tribute to Sally Ordway Irvine, the Ordway’s founding benefactor, whose initiative, vision and commitment led to the creation of the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. After the Ordway opened in 1985, Irvine was honored in 1986 with a “First Trust Award” for her pivotal role in bringing the Ordway to life. In 1992, that recognition evolved into the Sally Awards, which continue her legacy today. This year's recipients join a distinctive legacy of arts leaders who have been recognized with the award.
This year’s recipients were selected by a committee of arts professionals, educators, past recipients, and a representative from the Minnesota State Arts Board. The Arts Legacy Award operates outside the standard nomination process, with recipients chosen directly by the Ordway’s leadership team. Recipients will receive an award and $1,500 each.