MCA’s 18th Annual Applaud the Arts: Olympus Odyssey
Presented by Lisa Irwin
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Appleton Museum of Art
6 PM – 9 PM
Event Chair: Kiah Manning
Ascend Mount Olympus—Ocala-style!
Join Marion Cultural Alliance for a night of mythical magic and artful celebration at one of Ocala’s most iconic venues. Our 18th annual Applaud the Arts gala promises an unforgettable experience filled with creativity, community, and culture.
The evening will feature:
- Artistic flair & immersive experiences
- Meaningful support for the arts in Ocala/Marion County
- Announcement of 2025–2026 MCA Grant recipients
- Recognition of MCA Art Awards winners in Service, Vision, and Arts Education
Admission Now Open:
- MCA Artist Admission – $55
- MCA Member Admission – $65
- General Admission – $75
Sponsorship opportunities are available! All sponsors are recognized as MCA Business pARTners for one year at the level commemorate with the selected sponsorship level.
Or contact Jaye Baillie, Executive Director by clicking here or by calling (352) 369-1500.
Marion Cultural Alliance’s Arts Awards, established in 2016, are a highlight of the Annual Applaud the Arts event held each fall. The awards honor individuals or organizations for their positive impact on the arts in our community. Nominations are now being accepted for The Arts Awards-Powered by Duke Energy for excellence in arts education, service, or vision.
About Applaud the Arts
MCA annually presents Applaud the Arts, Ocala’s largest gathering of artists, arts organizations, MCA members, and the business community. This signature event kicks off the cultural season in Ocala with the announcement of arts awards, cultural grants recipients and is always set in one of our favorite cultural venues. Following the brief program, guests enjoy tapas, libations, and entertainment.
We Applaud the Arts because…
- art creates beauty in our city and connects its people
- art is a cornerstone of a healthy and prosperous community
- art is an economic driver
- art improves education by encouraging creativity, problem solving, and lateral thinking
- art improves and inspires economic development, creates jobs and produces tax revenue
- art attracts tourism revenue
- art is an experience fundamental to our humanity
We hope you will join artists, CEO’s, Entrepreneurs, elected officials, arts patrons, and nonprofit leaders as we gather to applaud the visionary individuals and organizations who play such a vital role in the quality of life in Ocala/Marion County.
Email Jaye Baillie, Executive Director by clicking here for more information or by calling (352) 369-1500.
ABOUT LAST YEAR…
17th Annual Applaud the Arts | Surrealist Ball
SEE EVENT PHOTO ALBUM ON MCA’S FACEBOOK PAGE!
Marion Cultural Alliance: Ninth Annual ARTS AWARDS
EDUCATION AWARD – Charles Eady
Recognizes an arts educator (K-college) who utilizes the arts as a tool for achieving excellence.
VISION AWARD – Angie Lewis
Recognizes an individual or an organization in Ocala/Marion County for their outstanding advocacy of the arts.
SERVICE AWARD – Darian Mosley
Recognizes an exceptional individual for their dedicated volunteerism in the arts and contribution to the arts community.
Questions? Please contact Jaye Baillie, MCA Executive Director by clicking here or by calling (352) 369-1500.
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