DeWayne Barton Wins John Cram Arts Leadership Award

DeWayne Barton is the winner of the 2021 inaugural John Cram Arts Leadership Award for his tireless commitment to keeping the arts at the heart of our community through his work on the Burton Street Community Peace Gardens, Hood Huggers Int’l., and numerous other projects.

As part of his award, DeWayne has selected Asheville Creative Arts to receive a $1,000 grant from the Asheville Area Arts Council.

Named after local entrepreneur and philanthropist John Cram, who passed away last year, the award honors individuals who have made a large contribution to the arts in Buncombe County.

Community members were invited to nominate a local arts leader for the award. The Arts Coalition chairs reviewed the nominations and selected four honorees. Barton was announced as the 2021 John Cram Arts Leadership Award winner during the State of the Arts Address held on November 3, 2021 at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts.

The 2021 Crammy Award Finalists