Joyce Smar, Director of Programming for the Center Series program at the Fine Arts Center recently accepted an award for Excellence in Presenting the Performing arts from the North American Performing Arts Managers and Agents (NAPAMA)

NAPAMA, the not-for-profit membership association of North American Performing Arts Managers and Agents presented Joyce with the award at the Association of Performing Arts Presenters conference on Sunday, January 9, 2005, at the New York Hilton and Towers Hotel.

In addition to a citation, NAPAMA present Joyce with a contribution of $1,000 specifically designated for the Fine Arts Center.

Founded in 1979 and celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2004, NAPAMA promotes excellence within the community of performing arts managers and agents, the professionals who connect artists to audiences regionally, nationally, and internationally. NAPAMA enriches and enlivens the performing arts through its activities that include professional development, information exchange, advocacy, and leadership on current professional standards and practice.

Maria Guralnik, President of NAPAMA, said: “NAPAMA recognizes that as performing arts agents and managers, we are only as good as our partners, the artist and the performing arts presenter. We created the Award for Excellence, in partnership with the Association of Performing Arts Presenters, to recognize the presenters who possess exemplary ethical behaviors, unwavering respect for their colleagues in the field (artists, managers, and fellow presenters), consistent dedication to professionalism, and proven dedication to the future of presenting the performing arts. By honoring a select individual, we can demonstrate by clear example those qualities our members desire from, and admire in, their presenting partners.”

Joyce Smar was selected, because as Kerby Lovallo of New World Classics said, “Joyce possesses the strength required to improve a program…and excel it into a multi-disciplinary, international performance series at the highest standards. Joyce has a careful eye on what works best in her community and venues. She goes beyond the usual to bring attractions and creates partnerships in order to ensure that these events occur. In her ladylike manner, Joyce is fair in her relationships to the artists, fellow presenters, and performing arts managers.”

When asked how she felt about receiving the 2004 NAPAMA Award for Excellence in Presenting the Performing Arts, Smar said that she was both “humbled and surprised” to be recognized for her “every day” job. With her upbeat and positive attitude, Smar adds that, “I help to connect the arts and the artists to the community through programs developed with agent and manager partners. The relationship between these colleagues is not of a buy/sell understanding. We use each other as a resource in creating collaborations that occurs each time an artist steps on stage and the audience sits down for a performance. We work as a team.”

NAPAMA’s members submitted geographically diverse nominations for the NAPAMA Award for Excellence in Presenting the Performing Arts from March through August 2004, and only active members of the Association of Performing Arts Presenters were eligible for consideration. NAPAMA’s Full Board selected three finalists, which were vetted by the Association of Performing Arts Presenters. NAPAMA’s Executive Board selected the Award recipient based upon the following criteria: demonstration of exemplary ethical behavior, consistent commitment to professionalism, unwavering respect for colleagues in the field, and a dedication to the field and its future. NAPAMA members will submit nominations for the fourth NAPAMA Award for Excellence in Presenting the Performing Arts from March through August 2005.

Congratulations Joyce!