Richard Charles Ford was an ardent, active, and vociferous advocate of the arts and humanities within our community for over thirty years, helping to found the annual Arts and Humanities Festival in 2001. For his many contributions to the quality of life in the greater Muskegon community, then MCC President Frank Marczak initiated the Richard Charles Ford Awards as part of the annual festival in recognition of Richard’s longtime passion for the arts and humanities in Muskegon.
The Richard Charles Ford Award recognizes significant contributions to the arts and humanities in Muskegon County and has three categories:
- INDIVIDUAL SERVICE: those who have significantly impacted the arts or humanities community through their work, their volunteer efforts, and/or their philanthropy.
[Please note: Individuals in career positions with arts/humanities organizations may not be nominated in this category.] - OUTSTANDING PROGRAMMING: programming that focuses on and integrates culture, performing and visual arts, and/or humanities and that serves to connect the community with the rich cultural assets of the greater Muskegon community.
- BUSINESS AND CORPORATE SUPPORT: those who serve to strengthen the capacity of the arts and cultural organizations to promote excellence in the arts and humanities in Muskegon County through significant and sustained corporate philanthropy.
Anyone may nominate in any or all categories. All nominations are due by October 1st. One recipient is chosen from nominations in all three categories each year.