Big Brain Awards 2014: Nominate Emerging Phoenix Creatives for Cash Prizes (And There's a Food Category!)

Bigger is just plain better -- when it comes to creative ideas, that is. That's why every year since 2010, we've searched high and low for emerging creatives doing exceptional things in metro Phoenix. They're on the cusp of something major, these painters, chefs, designers, dancers, innovators, and visionaries. That's...

By Becky Bartkowski

February 21, 2014

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Bigger is just plain better -- when it comes to creative ideas, that is.

That's why every year since 2010, we've searched high and low for emerging creatives doing exceptional things in metro Phoenix. They're on the cusp of something major, these painters, chefs, designers, dancers, innovators, and visionaries. That's what makes them Big Brains.

This time around, we've created a new category, urban vision, to recognize creative types working to make Phoenix a better place. Nominations are now open for Valley residents who deserve to win $500 in the following categories: visual art, performing art, design, culinary art, and urban vision.

Last year's finalists in the culinary arts category were Simple Farm, Hayden Flour Mills and Welcome Diner. Welcome Diner won. Past years' winners have included Natalie Morris (now) of Good Food Finder, Brian and Margita Webb of Hey Joe Food Truck and John Cavanagh of Tuck Shop.

Are you next?

As we have with Big Brain Awards past, we'll profile three finalists from each category in print, here on Chow Bella, on our culture blog, Jackalope Ranch, and on our music blog, Up on the Sun.

We'll reveal the winners Saturday, April 26, at New Times' Artopia, an evening of art, drinks, food, and music. To access an exclusive Artopia ticket pre-sale, sign up for our Arts & Theatre newsletter by Monday, February 24.

Nominate your favorite creatives (even yourself) for 2014's Big Brains at www.phoenixnewtimes.com/microsites/bigbrainawards. Deadline for nominations is Monday, March 3.

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