San Francisco Arts Medallion
The
San Francisco
Arts Medallion
The San Francisco Arts Medallion, established in 2005 by the Museum of Performance + Design, honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the cultural landscape of the Bay Area.
Each year, we proudly recognize remarkable individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and generosity in the arts. Among the esteemed group of Arts Medallion recipients, we have had the privilege to honor notable figures who have left a lasting impact on the artistic community of San Francisco.
Renowned recipients such as Michael Tilson Thomas, the Music Director Laureate of the San Francisco Symphony and a respected conductor and composer, have greatly enriched the musical landscape of our city. Alonzo King, the Artistic Director and Co-Founder of LINES Ballet, has pushed the boundaries of modern dance and ballet, captivating audiences with his visionary choreography. Their contributions have helped shape the vibrant performing arts scene in San Francisco.
The Arts Medallion also celebrates the crucial role of philanthropists who have provided invaluable support to countless artists. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to notable figures such as former Mayor Willie Brown, a dedicated supporter of the arts, as well as philanthropists Gordon Getty and Carl and Yurie Pascarella. Their unwavering dedication has nurtured the arts and contributed to the cultural fabric of the Bay Area.
"This museum is a repository — the heart, soul, and record of San Francisco’s performing arts community... It inspires an important understanding of what takes place onstage, what takes place in the hearts and intentions of the audience. And they take something away from those performances, imagining something even more wonderful."
- Michael Tilson Thomas, 2019 Arts Medallion Honoree
These exceptional individuals, among other distinguished recipients of the Arts Medallion, exemplify the spirit of our mission. We strive to recognize those whose unwavering passion and dedication have left an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of the Bay Area.
The support garnered through the Arts Medallion has a profound impact on our ongoing programs and preservation efforts at the Museum of Performance + Design. Since 1947, our institution has been dedicated to collecting, preserving, and providing access to performance and theater design materials, allowing us to celebrate the profound impact of the arts on the San Francisco Bay Area.
By showcasing the achievements and contributions of Arts Medallion recipients, we hope to inspire others to appreciate and support the vibrant performing arts community in San Francisco while fostering a greater understanding and appreciation for the transformative power of artistic expression.
Honorees
John Adams (2023)
Alonzo King (2022)
Helgi Tomasson (2021)
Michael Tilson Thomas (2019)
Tony Taccone (2018)
Carl & Yurie Pascarella (2017)
Robert Mailer Anderson & Nion McEvoy (2016)
Frederica von Stade (2015)
John Goldman (2013)
Roselyne Chroman Swig (2012)
Delia F. Ehrlich (2011)
Nancy Hellman Bechtle (2010)
Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr. (2009)
Mr. & Mrs. George F. Jewett, Jr. (2008)
Diane B. Wilsey (2007)
Gordon Getty (2006)
Stanlee Gatti (2005)
All image rights reserved Drew Altizer Photography©