The Lawton Arts & Cultural Awards recognize individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the cultural life of our community through the arts and humanities. Since 1971, the City of Lawton and the Lawton Arts and Humanities Council later absorbed into the McMahon Auditorium Authority have recognized Lawton citizens who have made a significant impact on our community’s cultural fabric. Each year, three individuals are selected to receive an Arts & Cultural Award in the following categories:

• Citizen in the Arts – Recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to the arts and cultural life of the Lawton community.

• Business in the Arts – Recognizes a business that has demonstrated outstanding support of and commitment to the arts and cultural community.

• Educator of the Arts – Recognizes an educator who has made a meaningful contribution to arts education and helped promote the arts within the community.

Art Purchase Award

In conjunction with the Arts & Cultural Awards, the McMahon Auditorium Authority Arts and Humanities Committee serves as the jury for the Art Purchase Award. The committee selects one local artist, and the McMahon Auditorium Authority purchases three pieces of artwork by that artist, with a total award value of $900. One piece of artwork is then presented to each of the three Arts & Cultural Award recipients.

Artists interested in being considered for the Art Purchase Award must complete the separate Art Purchase Award nomination form.