Recognizing, connecting, educating, and empowering professionals and enthusiasts in the arts and lifestyle of the working cowboy and Western culture
Recognizing, connecting, educating, and empowering professionals and enthusiasts in the arts and lifestyle of the working cowboy and Western culture
FORT WORTH, TX - Make your plans now to come to Fort Worth's Historic Stockyards this December for the 2025 AWA Member Conference and Awards Ceremonies, with appearances by Red Steagall and Michael Martin Murphey!
On Monday, Dec. 1, we'll gather with Academy members at the Courtyard Fort Worth Historic Stockyards, our headquarters hotel and conference location, for panel discussions, networking, and a 6 PM meet & greet. The conference is included with your Academy membership. Please register by November 15, 2025 so we can host you appropriately.
On Tuesday, Dec. 2, we'll have two awards ceremonies. At 1 PM, we'll give the Awards for Authors, Artists, Artisans, Media, Industry, and Chuckwagons, and at 7 PM, the Awards for Musicians, Poets, & Lifetime Achievement, with appearances by honorees Red Steagall and Michael Martin Murphey. Academy members get 50% off 2 tickets per show.
The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District celebrates Western spirit and culture. You'll find Western shopping, live music, authentic country dancing, a twice-daily cattle drive of the Fort Worth Herd, rodeos, fiestas, museums, saloons, and more. Compact and walkable, you can rediscover your Wild West spirit in just a few fascinating blocks.
Billy Bob's 81 Club, the private event space next door to Billy Bob's Texas, is the setting for our 2025 Awards Ceremonies. As "The World's Largest Honky-Tonk," housed in an historic 1910 building, Billy Bob's Texas invites everyone to "come experience our Honky Tonk attitude, friendly Fort Worth hospitality, and truly unique atmosphere." >> full article & travel info >>
FORT WORTH, TX - The application deadline for the 2024 Academy of Western Artists awards has been extended to August 30, 2025 to provide additional time for members to join and apply. Professional members who join before the application deadline are eligible to apply for one or more of the seventy-one awards in seven categories (Western/Cowboy Music & Poetry, Western Swing Music, Western Country Music, Western Art, Western Media, Western Culture Industry, and Chuckwagon). There is no application fee for an award. Descriptions of each award and what is required to enter are on the awards page. >> full article >>
FORT WORTH, TX - The Academy of Western Artists has launched its online member directory, including Professional, Associate, Charter, and Legacy members. Professional members have applied for membership, have at least 5 years' experience as a professional in their chosen field, and are eligible to apply for awards from the Academy. Associate members are those who don't yet have 5 years' paid experience, or who choose to stay at the Associate level. Charter members helped found the Academy back in 1996, and now have lifetime memberships. Legacy members were Academy members before 2024. Check out the new directory.
musicians, poets, storytellers, humorists
creators of boots, hats, saddles, bits, spurs, and braiding
painters, sculptors, photographers, filmmakers
of books, short stories, songs, poetry
cooks and artisans
producers, managers, promoters, publishers, events, venues, studios, broadcasters, podcasters, DJs, radio, TV, and streamers
of all things Western
PROFESSIONAL
Individual and Organizational
ASSOCIATE
Individual and Organizational
FAN
Individual
Membership can now be paid over 12 months. Join as a Professional for as little as $15 per month, or lock in a 3-year Professional membership for 12 payments of $36.