The Fort Wayne Creative Awards is an upcoming, first-ever awards gala celebrating the local creative community in Fort Wayne on a collaborative front.
It promises to be a glamorous, red-carpet event akin to the Academy Awards but focused entirely on the region’s artistic talents.
Image credit: Eduar
a night to honor & uplift
FORT WAYNE
creative professionals
⁕ Artists
⁕ filmmakers
⁕ photographers
⁕ musicians
⁕ designers
⁕ performers
⁕ creative entrepreneurs
Mayor’s Choice Award “Creative of 2025”
A special recognition for the individual whose work best captures the creative spirit of the year. Expected to be presented by the mayor.
Exclusive
Swag Bags
Curated gifts for guests, adding a fun, VIP touch to the evening.
Media Coverage
& Live Highlights
The spotlight will be on the nominees and winners, with coverage likely streamed or shared live.
Networking &
Community Celebration
A chance to connect, collaborate, and celebrate alongside Fort Wayne’s most creative minds.
Red Carpet
Experience
Attendees are encouraged to arrive in style, with media coverage and photo ops to capture the glamour.
Image credit: BonJo
Join the red carpet evening of creative celebration
This event marks the first official celebration of creative excellence in Fort Wayne on such a scale. By bringing together diverse creatives (across mediums and disciplines) it creates a visible, unifying platform to showcase and honor local talent. It’s a powerful way to elevate the community’s creative identity and foster connections across different creative sectors.
Hosted by The Local Archive & The Ari, we're here to give you a night to celebrate the talent in Fort Wayne.
Image credit: The Local Archive
nominate a creative
Nomination submissions for the 2025 Fort Wayne Creative Awards are now closed.
Grab your tickets and join us on Friday, September 26 at 6:00 pm to honor all our local creative talent!
FAQs
Because it’s going to be a blast! Imagine a red-carpet night in Fort Wayne where artists, musicians, makers, and dreamers all come together to celebrate creativity. It’s inspiring, fun, and unlike anything else happening in the city.
That’s okay — this event is for everyone. You don’t need to be an artist to enjoy it. If you love live performances, cool people, and being part of something new for Fort Wayne, you’ll fit right in.
No stress! Tickets are transferable. If you can’t make it, you can easily give your ticket to a friend or family member.
Not at all. A lot of people are coming solo or for the first time. We’ve built in moments (like the red carpet and cocktail hour) to make it easy to connect, laugh, and feel part of the night.
Nope! The dress code is black-tie encouraged, creative flair welcome. That means you can go all-out glam, wear something fun that shows your personality, or keep it classy and simple. You’ll look great either way.
The awards will be held at The Local Archive on The Landing, Downtown Fort Wayne (118 W Columbia Street suite 201) right in the heart of the city’s creative district.
Plenty of paid public parking is available nearby! There are garages and lots within a short walk of The Landing. We’ll send out a parking map and recommendations to all ticket holders closer to the event to make it super easy.
You’ll check in at the front entrance of The Local Archive, where our team will welcome you, scan your ticket, and get you set for the red carpet. Just bring your digital or printed ticket — no stress, no lines.
Your ticket helps us celebrate and uplift Fort Wayne’s creative community. It covers the awards, production, and everything that makes this a night to remember — while making sure local artists and businesses get the spotlight they deserve.
Yes. With only 200 seats, every guest gets a close-up, high-quality experience. You’ll walk away inspired, entertained, and proud to be part of something that puts Fort Wayne’s creative spirit on the map.