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Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Appleton Museum of Art
Event Chair: Kiah Manning
Step into a world of myth and majesty as Marion Cultural Alliance proudly presents its 18th Annual Applaud the Arts, themed Olympus Odyssey—an evening of divine inspiration and artistic celebration. This year’s unforgettable experience is sponsored by the LILAC Foundation.
Guests will embark on a celestial journey through creativity and community, surrounded by stunning ambiance designed by Party Time Rentals, unique art performances by Artify Ocala, visionary concept design by event chair Kiah Manning, and so much more!
As the night unfolds, we’ll honor excellence in the arts by announcing MCA’s 2025–2026 Grant Recipients and celebrating the outstanding winners of the MCA Art Awards in Service, Vision, and Arts Education POWERED by Duke Energy.
Themed attire is strongly encouraged—channel your inner god or goddess, muse or myth! Prizes will be awarded for the most divine looks of the night.
Don’t miss this signature MCA event—where culture, creativity, and community converge in one unforgettable evening. Your presence supports the vibrant arts scene that makes Marion County thrive.
Tickets:
- MCA Member – $65
- MCA Artist Member – $55
- General Admission – $75
Let’s celebrate the arts. Let’s make magic.
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.
Nominations Now Closed for 2025 Art Awards
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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