Madison, Wis. – Friends of Madison Arts Commission (FoMAC) hosted the first Silver Lining Awards on Thursday, May 12. The event was sponsored by Madison Arts Commission (MAC) and in partnership with Garver Events with additional support provided by Destination Madison, Barbara Schrank and WORT 89.9 FM.

“It was heart-warming to learn about the many amazing things people did to lift up and hold together our community during the last two years. Take a moment to get to know the artists and organizations who were nominated if you need a dose of hope,” commented Karin Wolf, Madison Arts Program Administrator. “I’m grateful to FoMAC for bringing us together and supporting the work of the Madison Arts Commission.”

Nominations for 70 local arts, community and hospitality organizations were received, based on their creativity, dedication and perseverance that brought “silver linings” to Madison throughout COVID-19. 20 recipients received an award designed by local artist, TetraPAKMAN (Victor Castro) during the event on Thursday, May 12.

• LunART
• Rob Dz/Mad Lit
• Monroe Street Arts Center
• Blue Stem Jazz
• Dane Arts
• Celia Klehr/Forward Theatre Company
• Lilada Gee/Defending Black Girlhood
• Rowan Childs/Madison Reading Project
• Healthy Kids Collaborative
• Leopold-Arbor Hills Neighborhood Resource Team
• Rodney Alexander/The Umbrella Transition Program
• Jazzman Brown/Feeding the Youth
• Chef Dave Heide/Little John’s Kitchen
• Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce
• Brewer Stouffer/The Roman Candle
• WORT FM
• Alejandro Miranda Cruz and Noel Miranda/Bravebird Productions
• Dane Arts Mural Arts
• Oscar Mireles
• Tamsie Ringler/Winter is Alive

The event, emceed by Cooper Talbot and Kia Karlen with beats by DJ Femme Noir, also included performances by Yid Vicious and Cycropia Aerial Dance. The stage featured “Defending Black Girlhood,” a mural by Lilada Gee, and following the award presentation on Garver’s patio was the world-premiere film screening of Winter is Alive, 2022, by Aaron Granat and Gracie Wallner.

Any event proceeds will support public art projects in the City of Madison.