Fredonia Opera House Executive Director Rick Davis accepts the award.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center has been named the 2020 WNY Arts Organization of the Year in the 7th annual Arts Services Initiative of WNY (ASI) Spark Awards competition. The awards are presented annually by the ASI to honor outstanding artists and cultural organizations in five counties of Western New York and were presented in a virtual ceremony which live streamed on YouTube Monday.

The Spark Award name was inspired by Auguste Rodin’s pronouncement that “the artist must create a spark before he can make a fire; and before art is born, the artist must be ready to be consumed by the fire of his own creation.”

To recognize outstanding individuals and organizations for their dedication, talent and impact on the cultural sector, awards are given annually for Lifetime Achievement, Rising Star, Arts Integration, Unsung Hero, Supporter of the Cultural Sector, Arts Trailblazer, Decentralization Grant Program of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Arts Organization of the Year.

Opera House Executive Director Rick Davis accepted the award on behalf of the organization. “We are so grateful to the Arts Services Initiative for all the work it does in serving the arts and for recognizing the Opera House this year.  We couldn’t be more excited!” he notes. “Congratulations to the other winners and finalists, all of whom add immensely to western New York’s rich cultural landscape!  And, of course, thank you to the Opera House’s members and contributors, who have supported and sustained us for the past 26 years.”