–Single Year Alternative to Annual ARTS Awards Unites the Industry to Honor Leaders During COVID-19 Pandemic–
May 22, 2020 – Dallas Market Center and ART, the creative home furnishings network, have announced the creation of The HEARTS Awards, a one-time special event to take place during the January Total Home & Gift Market in Dallas. The HEARTS Awards will take the place of the annual ARTS Awards, which will return for 2021-2022.
The HEARTS Awards will be held in partnership with thirteen leading industry organizations and will honor thirteen individuals or companies that have shown outstanding leadership, empathy and service during the COVID-19 pandemic by going above and beyond in service to their industry and/or community. A fundraising effort supporting hunger relief by leveraging the creative skills of 100 celebrities and influencers will accompany the awards.
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“For more than 30 years the ARTS Awards have been the premier program honoring business and creative excellence; but given the global pandemic we have a unique opportunity this year to unite our industry to honor generosity and selflessness via The HEARTS Awards,” said Sharon Davis, executive director of ART.
“In the midst of a crisis we have seen remarkable help and sacrifice from our professional community,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “That’s why this year we will honor heart-based leadership with a program recognizing the best qualities of our industry and working in collaboration with leading organizations.”
The following organizations have agreed to participate and to each put forward one honoree meeting The HEARTS Awards criteria:
• American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame
• American Home Furnishings Alliance
• American Lighting Association
• ART, the creative home furnishings network
• Gift & Home Trade Association
• Gift for Life
• Interior Design Society
• International Casual Furnishings Association
• International Home Furnishings Representative Association
• International Society of Furniture Designers
• International Textile Alliance
• Sustainable Furnishings Council
• WithIt, the women’s leadership development network for the home and furnishings industry
In addition to the awards, a special fundraising campaign will take place benefitting hunger relief. One hundred artists, designers, celebrities, influencers and special guests will creatively design one-of-a-kind dinner plates to be auctioned to the highest bidder. The auction will begin online ahead of The HEARTS Awards and will conclude on the evening of the event.
The HEARTS Awards will take place on January 8, 2021 at the Hilton Anatole hotel. Individual and group tickets will be available at a later date. The full list of honorees will be announced the first week of October.
Media sponsors to date include: Aspire Design and Home, Designers Today, Furniture/Today, Furniture Lighting & Decor, Gifts & Decorative Accessories, Home Accents Today, HFN, and Home Textiles Today.
