ISPA 2025 Award Recipients Announced

On behalf of the Board of Directors, the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) announces the recipients of the ISPA 2025 Awards. The first ISPA Award was presented in 1975 to Beverly Sills (famed soprano and General Director, New York City Opera). Since then, ISPA has continued to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations for their contribution to the arts and their communities.

The ISPA 2025 award recipients are as follows (biographies attached):

Distinguished Artist Award Recipient

Presented to artists who have made an outstanding contribution of talent, artistry, dedication, and service to the world of the performing arts.

Yaron Lifschitz (Artistic Director and CEO, Circa)
Yaron Lifschitz is, a visionary and arguably one of the leading artistic entrepreneurs of the day. His commitment to circus arts and the development of future generations of circus artists is manifested through his work with CIRCA and the many regions within which he works.

International Citation of Merit Recipient

Presented for unique lifetime achievement which has enriched the international performing arts. This Award is not for performance but rather for distinguished service working within the profession

Cathy Graham (Executive Director, NMC Recordings)
Cathy’s [Graham] contribution to the arts goes far beyond her work at any one institution. It is embodied in her belief in the importance of music as a tool for cultural understanding and an appreciation of the arts as a vital part of society.

Patrick Hayes Award Recipient

Inspired by the legacy of Patrick Hayes, the founding President of the International Society of the Performing Arts Foundation, this Award recognizes an ISPA member in any stage of their career who has demonstrated transformative leadership in the performing arts.

Tisa Ho (Former Executive Director, Hong Kong Arts Festival)
If you looked up the word “resilience” in the dictionary there will be no text, simply a picture of Tisa Ho. Tisa has led many organizations on to new levels of excellence and played an even more significant role in the broader international community which she so embraces.

Angel Award Recipient

Presented to an individual or organization which has demonstrated a significant and lasting contribution to the support of the performing arts which transcends the boundaries of one country or institution, and merits international recognition.

Janet Cowperthwaite (Former Executive Director, Kronos Quartet)
Janet has been integral to the success of the Kronos Quartet. The quintessential “fifth member” of the Quartet, Janet’s commitment to artistic and administrative excellence throughout her 43-year tenure cannot be overstated.

Celebrating Our Planet Award Recipient

The Celebrating Our Planet Award recognizes excellence and/or innovation with respect to creating, presenting, and or touring the performing arts in a climate friendly, sustainable manner. This new award recognizes the initiative(s) of an ISPA member as opposed to the community as a whole.

Starmus Festival
Starmus is a global festival of science and art that brings together some of the most respected minds on the planet. Their commitment to future development trends and global impact issues promises to influence the environment in which we all live.

“While we received many worthy nominations, the Board was unanimous in their endorsement on the 2025 awardees. The recipients reflect the richness of diversity that the ISPA membership represents” said ISPA Chief Executive Officer David Baile.

The awards will be presented at a ceremony to be held during the ISPA 2025 New York Congress: Leading with Creativity, on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at The Times Center in New York City.