The Peale Announces the Illuminator Awards 2026
An Evening Celebrating the People and Organizations Shaping Baltimore’s Future

The Peale, Baltimore’s Community Museum, will host the 2026 Illuminator Awards on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
The event will bring together leaders from various fields for a night of celebration and storytelling.
The Illuminator Awards honor people and groups that enhance Baltimore’s culture, build communities, and promote inclusivity and creativity. The honorees will be announced soon. The event serves as both a celebration and a call to action. It supports The Peale’s mission to encourage community storytelling, artistic expression, and public history.
The evening will feature live performances, as well as short documentary-style video tributes. Attendees will have opportunities to directly support The Peale’s programs. These include artist initiatives, apprenticeships in the restorative arts, public exhibitions, and innovative digital storytelling projects.
“The Illuminator Awards highlight the people and ideas that shape Baltimore’s identity,” said John Suau, Executive Director of The Peale. “This event allows us to honor leadership, creativity, and civic commitment while investing in the next chapter of Baltimore’s stories.”
Tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and event updates are now available. Early supporters get priority access and recognition as founding supporters of the 2026 awards.
Event Details:
• Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
• Host: The Peale, Baltimore’s Community Museum
For tickets, sponsorship, and updates, please visit the event page.


