Honoring the Leaders Who Shape Columbia's Cultural Landscape
The Stephen G. Morrison Visionary Award is back to celebrate the exceptional individuals whose leadership and vision have significantly enriched the arts, history, and cultural foundation of our city. We invite you to help us recognize those who inspire creativity and drive our community forward.
About the Award
The Stephen G. Morrison Visionary Award recognizes an individual whose outstanding vision and leadership have profoundly shaped the cultural fabric of Columbia. Presented by One Columbia for Arts and Culture, this prestigious honor is given to those who have made significant, lasting contributions to the city's arts and history.
Named for Stephen G. Morrison, an early and influential leader of One Columbia, the award celebrates his generous spirit and dedication to the city's vitality. Recipients embody a powerful combination of vision and leadership, using these qualities to foster creative social change and enrich our community. After a brief pause, the award returns to continue its tradition of honoring the dedicated individuals who make Columbia a more vibrant and culturally rich place to live.
Nominate a Visionary
Do you know someone whose work has made a lasting impact on Columbia's culture? We invite the community to submit nominations for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the city's cultural landscape.
Nomination Requirements: To nominate an individual, please submit a formal nomination letter that provides specific examples of the nominee's impact and leadership capabilities. Tell us the story of their contribution and why they deserve to be recognized.
How to Submit: All nomination letters and any supporting materials must be submitted by email to info@onecolumbiasc.com.
Deadline for Nominations: February 28, 2026
Past Recipients
The Stephen G. Morrison Visionary Award has a proud history of honoring remarkable leaders. Previous recipients include a diverse group of artists, educators, and community builders who have left an indelible mark on Columbia.
- 2021: Morihiko Nakahara - Esteemed Music Director and Conductor of the South Carolina Philharmonic.
- 2019: Robin Waites
- 2018: Melanie Huggins
- 2017: Bobby Donaldson
- 2016: Terrance Henderson
- 2015: William Starrett
Help Us Celebrate Columbia's Cultural Champions
Your participation is essential to honoring the leaders who make our city thrive. Take this opportunity to shine a light on an inspiring individual whose dedication has strengthened our community.
2026 Award Ceremony for Larry Hembree Tickets
One Columbia for Arts and Culture Names Larry Hembree as 2026 Stephen G. Morrison Visionary Award Recipient
March 9, 2026, Columbia, SC — One Columbia for Arts and Culture is thrilled to announce Larry Andrew Hembree as the 2026 recipient of the prestigious Stephen G. Morrison Visionary Award. This honor recognizes Hembree’s exceptional leadership, creativity, and enduring contributions to the arts and cultural fabric of Columbia and beyond.
The award ceremony will take place on Friday, March 20 from 6:30–8:00 p.m. at the Koger Center for the Arts, where artists, community leaders, and arts supporters will gather to celebrate Hembree’s extraordinary contributions to Columbia’s cultural landscape.
The Stephen G. Morrison Visionary Award celebrates individuals whose innovation, dedication, and passion for the arts have profoundly enriched the cultural vitality of the Columbia community. Hembree’s remarkable career as an artist, arts administrator, educator, and nonprofit leader exemplifies the very essence of this award.
Currently serving as the Executive Artistic Director of the Inclusive Theatre Company of South Carolina, Hembree has devoted his life to making the arts accessible to all. Through his work with Inclusive Theatre Company, he has created transformative opportunities for performers of all abilities to share their talents on stage, championing the belief that creativity knows no boundaries.
A Legacy of Leadership and Impact
Hembree’s career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the arts. He has held numerous influential roles, including:
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Executive Director of the Nickelodeon Theatre
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Managing Director of Trustus Theatre
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Director of Development and later Executive Director of Columbia Children’s Theatre
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Director of Performing Arts at the South Carolina Arts Commission
Through these roles, Hembree has played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s performing arts ecosystem, strengthening nonprofit arts organizations, and inspiring countless artists and audiences.
Beyond his professional achievements, Hembree is a passionate advocate and community connector. He has served on numerous nonprofit boards and arts initiatives, including The Jasper Project, Congaree Vista Guild, Arts Access SC, and One Columbia for Arts and Culture. His dedication to collaboration, mentorship, and the power of storytelling has brought communities together and elevated the arts across the Midlands.
“Larry has spent his career lifting others through the arts,” said Donavan, President of One Columbia for Arts and Culture. “His vision, generosity, and tireless dedication have shaped Columbia’s creative community in immeasurable ways. He truly embodies the spirit of the Stephen G. Morrison Visionary Award.”
Celebrating a Visionary
Mark your calendars for Friday, March 20, 2026, as the Koger Center for the Arts hosts an evening dedicated to honoring Larry Hembree’s transformative impact on Columbia’s arts and culture. From 6:30–8:00 p.m., artists, community leaders, and supporters will come together to pay tribute to his inspiring legacy and celebrate his unwavering commitment to creativity and inclusion.
“Larry’s contributions to the arts have been nothing short of transformative,” said Xavier Blake, Executive Director of One Columbia for Arts and Culture. “Having known Larry for many years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the passion, creativity, and dedication he brings to every project. His work has left an indelible mark on our community, and we are honored to celebrate his legacy by presenting him with this award on March 20th.”
One Columbia extends its heartfelt gratitude to AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, the presenting sponsor of the event, for their continued support in celebrating the arts. The organization also thanks the Koger Center for the Arts for hosting the ceremony in their beautiful venue.
Guests will enjoy food provided by event partners TakoSushi and Carolina Ale House, whose generous support helps make this celebration possible.
Tickets and RSVP details are available on Eventbrite.