The Westys

Come and celebrate The Westys – a new awards show hosted collectively by The UNITED Theatre, The Chorus of Westerly, and The Granite Theatre to honor and recognize the individuals and organizations that help the arts thrive in Westerly. This inaugural event celebrates the dedication, support, and service of those who have made a lasting impact on our vibrant arts community. Festive cocktail attire is appropriate.

The evening will feature live performances and the presentation of several distinguished awards, each spotlighting a unique contribution to the arts in Westerly:

• Presented collectively by The Chorus, the Granite, and The UNITED, The Patron of the Arts Award honors those whose remarkable support and unwavering commitment to the arts has significantly enriched our Westerly community. This award celebrates those who recognize the profound power of the arts to inspire, connect, and transform lives, and who generously contribute their resources to ensure the arts flourish for all. Patrons of the arts are more than benefactors—they are visionaries who champion creativity and culture as vital pillars of a thriving society. This award is a tribute to their generosity, belief in the transformative power of the arts, and the lasting impact of their support in shaping vibrant, creative communities.
• Presented collectively by The Chorus, the Granite, and The UNITED, The Community Partner Award celebrates a local business that has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to supporting the arts and helping sustain Westerly’s vibrant arts organizations. This award honors a partner whose dedication embodies a deep belief in the transformative power of the arts to enrich lives and strengthen community bonds. This award recognizes their generosity, vision, and steadfast support, which have made a lasting difference in the cultural life of Westerly. Through their partnership, they not only champion the arts but also inspire others to join in sustaining the creative spirit of our community.
• The Chorus, the Granite, and The UNITED will each present individual Change Maker Awards to honor those who serve or have served as major catalysts for change or who have developed new systems with their organizations OR significantly improved existing ones. They are those who see solutions or find solutions where others may not. The individuals are creative, flexible, efficient, bold, and thoughtful in tackling tough issues or facing real needs. They approach complex challenges with curiosity and confidence, and have a gift for lifting up other voices, connecting people to each other, and finding new pathways to getting people involved. They deliver results through innovative thinking while also using and drawing on existing best practices.
• The Chorus, the Granite, and The UNITED will each present individual Bridge Builder Awards to honor those who have gone above and beyond to build strong connections either within their organization, within their community on behalf of their organization, or between organizations. They have a particular gift in identifying pathways where others may not. These individuals work thoughtfully with people from all backgrounds, including those whose lives may be very different from their own. They promote warm, inclusive, dialogue, and may act as mentors or coaches to support the development of others – professionals and volunteers. They have a real impact on not just their organizational community, but on either the entire town community as a whole, impacting the lives of many.
• The Chorus, the Granite, and The UNITED will each present individual Unsung Hero Awards to those within the organization who, quietly and with no need for celebration, consistently demonstrate a real commitment to do whatever needs to be done to allow the organization to succeed. They are dependable, reliable, and incredibly hardworking. They can lead when asked or be a productive member of a team when asked. They are loyal to their organization above all else, and committed to the organization’s mission and people. They are always there and willing to help and can be relied on year after year, project after project. Our organizations are all the better because of their love and dedication.
• The Chorus, the Granite, and The UNITED will each present individual Rising Star Awards to celebrate exceptional young individuals who embody a next-level commitment to leadership and service in the arts. This award is dedicated to recognizing high school or college-aged leaders who consistently go above and beyond in their dedication to making a difference. These rising stars demonstrate extraordinary potential and a passion for serving their communities, organizations, and peers. They excel in bringing energy, vision, and action to everything they do, while uplifting others and inspiring positive change. This award honors their dedication, ingenuity, and heart—a testament to their bright future and the invaluable impact they are already making today.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration as we honor the individuals and businesses whose contributions make Westerly a beacon of creativity and culture. The Westys is more than an event—it’s a tribute to the spirit of community and the transformative power of the arts.