ArtServe Impact Awards Return for a Third Year to Honor South Florida’s Arts and Culture Changemakers
ArtServe is set to host its third annual Impact Awards, presented by Seacoast Bank, on Friday, April 25, 2025, recognizing the profound contributions of artists, community leaders and advocates who have enriched the cultural landscape of South Florida. Sponsored by FPL, OutClique Magazine and Topo Chico, the event will take place at ArtServe from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring an evening of celebration, networking and entertainment.
Guests will enjoy cocktails, a gourmet culinary feast prepared by past Impact Award recipient Marc Martorana and Commissioner Don D’Arminio, a silent auction and entertainment by DJ Joy Joy. ArtServe is located at 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are $100 per person or $300 for a group of four and can be purchased at https://artserve.org/impactawards.
“Art has the power to transform communities, connect people and drive economic growth,” said ArtServe CEO Jason Hughes. “The Impact Awards are an opportunity to highlight those individuals who dedicate themselves to ensuring that the arts remain a powerful force for change in South Florida. This year’s honorees exemplify that commitment, and we are proud to celebrate their contributions.”
The 2025 Impact Award winners are:
Community Partner of Impact: Michael Albetta – A dedicated civic leader, Michael Albetta has played an integral role in numerous community-building initiatives, from organizing neighborhood cleanups to spearheading voter registration efforts. His long-standing commitment to volunteerism and inclusivity has significantly shaped Fort Lauderdale’s community spirit.
Artist of Impact: Claudia Castillo – A distinguished artist and founder of Claudia Castillo ART Studio, Claudia’s work is inspired by nature’s fluidity and transformative beauty. Her contributions extend beyond her art, as she actively supports cultural diversity and emerging artists in South Florida.
Community Leader of Impact: Jodi Jeffreys-Tanner – A passionate advocate for the arts, Jodi has dedicated her career to supporting and uplifting local artists. As the founder of Las Olas Capital Arts, she has provided artists with valuable opportunities, resources and platforms to showcase their work, ensuring a thriving arts community in Broward County.
Legacy of Impact: Emmanuel George – A historian, filmmaker and archivist, Emmanuel George has devoted his career to preserving and sharing the untold stories of Black communities in South Florida. Through his nonprofit, the Black Orchid Foundation, he continues to bridge generational divides and protect historical narratives for future generations.
ArtServe also acknowledges the generous in-kind contributions of Don D’Arminio and Marc Martorana for catering, as well as DJ Joy Joy for providing the evening’s entertainment.
For more information about the Impact Awards, or to become a member, volunteer or support ArtServe’s mission, please visit www.artserve.org or email [email protected].
About ArtServe
Named a “Top-Rated Nonprofit” by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and nonprofits, Fort Lauderdale-based ArtServe is an award-winning arts incubator that is advancing the arts for social good as a creative laboratory and hub for experimental artists committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Now in its 35th year, ArtServe has won several awards for innovation in the arts and is supported in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council and the Community Foundation of Broward. Each year, ArtServe programs contribute tangibly to the region’s economy, helping 2,000+ artists sell their work, build businesses and engage the community. To do that, ArtServe secures financial support through donations, sponsorships and memberships.
