GALA Theatre is a premier National Center for Latino Performing Arts located in the heart of the nation’s capital. Since 1976, GALA has been a vibrant platform for promoting and celebrating Latino arts and cultures, reaching diverse audiences with compelling works that reflect contemporary issues while preserving Latino heritage for future generations. GALA empowers Latino artists, inspires and educates youth, and fosters meaningful community engagement through an exchange of ideas and perspectives.

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This Award was established by GALA Theatre in response to the need of recognizing unsung Latinx leaders and tell their stories. The purpose of the award is to encourage leadership in the arts as distinguished by those qualities exhibited by Abel López over his career and service to the arts. The award will be presented to a Latinx individual or organization that has made or is making a significant impact in the Latinx arts community, whether they are just beginning their career or are well established. Each awardee will receive an honorarium averaging $2,000.