SEATTLE: Intiman Theatre and BECU Credit Union have partnered to create the Angels in Seattle: Arts Advocate Awards, distributed at the beginning of the Homecoming Performing Arts Festival. Five artists will be awarded a $1,000 check sponsored by BECU in recognition of their work during the pandemic. Recipients were chosen by Intiman Theatre, Langston, Red Eagle Soaring, BeautyBoiz, and Velocity Dance Center. The awards aim to recognize the often unsung figures in the industry: administrators, educators, and artists working behind the scenes.

Alyza DelPan-Monley was selected by Velocity for their work making the dance community more equitable, innovative, and accessible. Intiman chose Ana María Campoy for founding WashMasks Mutual Aid, providing PPE and support for migrant and seasonal farm workers. Jess Chrivoli was Red Eagle Soaring’s pick, for their volunteer work at the Seattle Indigenous Youth Art & Performance Summer Workshop. LANGSTON selected Michael B. Maine for his work uplifting underrepresented voices and equipping local artists with a focus on Black and QTPOC artists. Sefina Vailoa Aulei was nominated BeautyBoiz for her work mentoring queer people, especially young trans women of color in the House and Ballroom community.

“BECU drives our purpose to improve the financial well-being of our members and their communities from the credit union philosophy of people helping people,” said Stephen Black, vice president of brand strategy at BECU in a statement. “To recognize the contributions of these Angels in Seattle is a natural extension of that commitment.”

Recipients will be honored at an outdoor award ceremony held on Saturday, Sept. 18 at 6 pm PT. A festival pass or single day ticket for Homecoming is required to attend. A limited number of free-for-everyone tickets will be available at the box office on the day of the festival.

Learn more about the awardees here.