WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) has announced the recipients of the 2017 APAP Awards, which recognize artists, visionaries, and advocates in the field of performing arts. The awardees were honored at a ceremony on Jan. 9 in New York City.

A panel of national arts leaders and arts presenters selected four recipients. The North American Performing Arts Managers and Agents (NAMPA) also presented two awards to its agents at the event.

“It is exciting to come together each year to celebrate our collective achievements and the contributions of individuals who make a difference on behalf of the performing arts field,” said Mario Garcia Durham, president and CEO of APAP, in a statement. “These recipients inspire and motivate our field to continue to grow and change, showing the strength and influence the arts can have in our communities.”

Michael Alexander, executive director of Grand Performances, received the Sidney R. Yates Award for outstanding advocacy.

The William Dawson Award for programming excellence and sustained achievement in programming went to Mary Rose Lloyd, director of artistic programming at the New Victory Theater.

Laurie Anderson, composer, musician, and film director, was the recipient of the award of merit for achievement in performing arts.

The winner of APAP’s Fan Taylor Distinguished Service Award for exemplary service to the field of professional presenting was presented to Mikki Shepard, who most recently served as executive director/producer of the Apollo Theater in Harlem.

The NAPAMA Award for excellence in presenting went to Michael Roberge, former executive director of the Carpenter Performing Arts Center at California State University in Long Beach, Calif.

The NAPAMA Liz Silverstein Award for excellence as an agent/manager was awarded to Laura Colby, director of Elsie Management.