Marion Cultural Alliance | Applaud the Arts

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

Get Tickets

Sponsorship opportunities are available! All sponsors are recognized as MCA Business pARTners for one year at the level commemorate with the selected sponsorship level.

Visit the Sponsor Page

Or contact Jaye Baillie, Executive Director at [email protected] 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.

MCA Arts Award History

Nominations Now Open for MCA’s 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 MCA Executive Director Jaye Baillie at [email protected] for more information, or call (352) 369-1500