An integral part of Tippecanoe Arts Federation's mission and vision is advocating for the arts.The Federation highlights the value arts play in education, cultural diversity, and economic development. Tippecanoe Arts Federation recognizes individuals and businesses that make positive contributions to the arts in the community. TAF annually recognizes individuals , organizations and businesses that demonstrate leadership in arts advocacy. The awards that are given at the Bravo Awards include: those for Business (small & large may be nominated), John Corey Arts Leadership Award and regional grants in partnership with the Indiana Arts Commission and Indiana General Assembly members.
Bravo for the Arts, formerly Bravo Breakfast, is a celebration of the arts and arts leaders. Bravo for the Arts honors local businesses for their past support of the arts, and encourages future support. It has been organized jointly between the Tippecanoe Arts Federation and Greater Lafayette Commerce.
Past keynote speakers at the annual event have included Richard Florida, Rebecca Ryan, Ann Markusen, Lewis Ricci, Ramona Baker and Joe Hale.
2011 Bravo for the Arts: The event was made possible through the generosity of Duke Energy, Karen Hirsch-Cooper and Homewood Suites, WBAA, University Plaza Hotel, and Jasper County artist Mary Ann Van Soest.
The event began with a welcome address by emcee Jason Bennett. The event highlights included a proclamation of Arts and Humanities Month from Mayor Tony Roswarski, Representative Shelia Klinker, and Senator Ron Alting and a keynote address by Dr. Scott Massey, Founding President of The Cumberland Center, a university-based business alliance to advance innovation and economic development. Scott gave a presentation spotlighting the importance the arts play in our everyday lives. He went on to link the arts to economic development, the creative human capital elements and growth of community. Additionally, Pay Less/Kroger received the 2011 Bravo Award for their outstanding contributions to the arts throughout the state. The prestigious John Corey Award went to Scott Freeman for his hard work and dedication to many of the arts and cultural organizations in the North Central Indiana region.
This program is made possible through sponsorship from:

Media sponsor for Bravo for the Arts is:
![]()
Funding for this program also from:

Arts Organization Support
(Funds provide general operating support to the following organizations)
Tippecanoe County
Lafayette Symphony, Inc........$12263
Art Museum of Greater Lafayette.......$12225
Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette.......$11754
Bach Chorale Singers, Inc........$5406
Lafayette Citizens Band, Inc........$5329
Indiana Fiddlers' Gathering, Inc........$5184
Long Center for the Performing Arts.......$4458
Carroll County
Book Readers and Horn Blowers.......$4992
Cass County
Logansport Art Association, Inc........$5304
Cass County Arts Alliance.......$4834
Clinton County
Friends of the Frankfort Public Library, Inc........$5341
Howard County
Kokomo Park Band, Inc........$5321
Kokomo Civic Theatre, Inc........$5197
Montgomery County
Montgomery County Cultural Foundation, Inc........$5133
Jasper County
Prairie Arts Council.......$5210
Arts Project Support
Howard County
Kokomo Community Concerts.......$2190
Warren County
MSD of Warren County/Warren County Learning Center.......$3098
Carroll County
Psi Iota Xi, Beta Alpha Chapter, WC, Inc........$2768
Tippecanoe County
Friends of Bob Live Music Co-op.......$3039
Purdue University/Purdue Bands.......$2991
Opera de Lafayette.......$2752
Tipton County
Tipton County Pork Festival, Inc........$2051
White County
Monticello-Union Township Public Library.......$1496
Mini Grant Support
Tippecanoe County
Lafayette School Corporation.......$943
Wabash Valley Youth Symphony.......$900
Carroll County
Flora-Monroe Twp. Public Library.......$894
Tipton County
Tipton County Public Library.......$784
Bravo Awards are presented to businesses that have made significant contributions to arts and culture organizations, including financial assistance or in-kind donations or by providing volunteers for events, boards or projects. Nominators must be member organizations of the Tippecanoe Arts Federation.
Past Years Recipients
2011 |
Pay Less Kroger |
2010 |
Wilson Industrial Sales Company (Newton County) |
2009 |
Salin Bank |
2008 |
Kirby Risk |
2007 |
Chris Brown Properties |
2006 |
Bison Financial Group |
2005 |
Purdue Employees Federal Credit |
2004 |
Bank One and Bank One Foundation |
2003 |
Insight Communications |
2002 |
Eli Lilly and Co/Tippecanoe Laboratories |
John Corey Arts Leadership Award is given each year to a person who exhibits and embodies leadership in the arts. A John Corey Arts Leadership Award recipient regularly demonstrates their commitment to the arts and advances the role of the arts.
Past Years Recipients
2011 Scott Freeman
2010 David Lahr
2009 Virgil St. John
2008 Kathryn & Howie Clark
2007 Todd Wetzel
2006 Charlie Shook
2005 Sheila Klinker
2004 Sonya Margerum
2003 Suzie Coles
2002 Jim Bodenmiller
2001 John Corey
Each year at its annual meeting, TAF presents the Suzanne Stafford Memorial Award to an outstanding arts volunteer in Tippecanoe County. Stafford Award recipients are life long contributors to the arts and provide a valuable perspective to the evolution of the arts in the region.
Past Years Recipients
2010 David Lahr
2009 Linda Vanderkolk
2008 Tom Moran
2007 Doug Gutridge
2006 Harriet Coppoc
2005 Mary Ellen Lovell
2004 Marylin Howland
2003 June Stuckey
2002 Verna Abe
2001 Kent Schuette
2000 John Corey
1999 Patricia Barrett
1998 Caryl Matthews
1997 Sheila Klinker
1996 Gil & Sharlene Konowitch
1995 Patricia Truitt
1994 Ernie & Roberta Deagan
1992 Jim Bodenmiller
1991 Kathy Matter
1990 Jim & Pat Ross
1989 Barbara Houze
1988 Bob Zink
1987 Dick Jaeger
1984 Peggy Bryan
1983 O.U. & Alice Sullivan
1982 Page Karling
1981 Stuart Main