The Cleveland Arts Prize marked its 40th anniversary with an awards ceremony held November 14, 2000, at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Master of ceremonies was Dee Perry, host of “Around Noon,” an arts news and interview show aired weekdays on WCPN-90.3 FM.

Highlights of the event included the presentation of the annual Cleveland Arts Prize, one of Northern Ohio’s most prestigious awards. This year the Prize was awarded to creative artists in the fields of dance, literature, music, and the visual arts whose work has brought distinction to themselves and Greater Cleveland.

A video history of the Arts Prize organization showcased the portraits and works of many of the more than 300 individuals who have been recognized for their creative achievements or support of the arts by the Cleveland Arts Prize Committee over the past four decades.

The video was prepared with the generous support of Cox Cable, a media sponsor of the 2000 awards ceremony. Other media sponsors for the event were Northern Ohio Live magazine and WCLV-95.5 FM.

The awards ceremony culminated with the presentation of the first Robert P. Bergman Prize, which recognizes individuals whose accomplishments and life embody the spirit of Robert Bergman, the late director of the Cleveland Museum of Art, and his commitment to increasing access to and enjoyment of the arts.

Cover illustration of fortieth anniversary awards ceremony invitation
by Sahara Williamson