Friedson Recognized with “Visionary Award” by Young Artists of America on Strathmore Stage – Mocofeed

The Visionary Award recognizes Councilmember Friedson’s longstanding commitment to expanding access to arts education, strengthening nonprofit partners, and advancing cultural investments that support young people and the broader arts community across Montgomery County. 

“Young Artists of America is so pleased to recognize Councilmember Andrew Friedson with our Visionary Award for his dedication to helping YAA secure its new home in Montgomery County,” said Rolando Sanz, cofounder and producing artistic director of Young Artists of America. “Andrew was the first to say yes when we shared our vision for Building Dreams. When we told him that we were embarking on a campaign to build a permanent home for our young artists, he immediately rolled up his sleeves and got to work advocating and garnering support at the state, County, and city levels. When we acknowledged to him that it might seem like a challenging time to take this on, his response was, ‘No—this is exactly the right time.’ The result will be a new community arts facility in Rockville to house not only YAA’s programming, but one that will be accessible by other arts organizations from around the County.” 

“I’m deeply humbled by this recognition which is not a reflection of any personal efforts but of the extraordinary progress we can make through partnership,” said Councilmember Friedson. “I am so grateful to Senators Cheryl Kagan and Craig Zucker, Delegates Ryan Spiegel, Julie Palakovich Carr, and Joe Vogel, as well as Rockville Mayor Monique Ashton for their exceptional leadership and support. YAA turns dreams into reality and truly makes miracles happen through the talent they hone and the community they build for young people.”  

YAA’s Building Dreams Campaign is currently more than halfway to its $8 million fundraising goal, with over $5 million raised to date, including $1.5 million in state support. The campaign will support the development of a new rehearsal facility and Montgomery County’s first Collaborative Performing Arts Hub at 1626 East Jefferson St. in Rockville, providing a permanent home for YAA while expanding access for the broader arts community. 

Councilmember Friedson has been a consistent advocate for investments that strengthen Montgomery County’s cultural, educational, and economic vitality, with a focus on expanding opportunity for young people, supporting nonprofit organizations, and building inclusive communities where residents can live, learn, and thrive. For his work and leadership, he has received the Center for Nonprofit Philanthropy’s Public Policy Leadership Award, the Glen Echo Partnership for Arts and Culture Advocacy Award, the Jewish Community Relations Council Community Champion Award, the Fair Access Committee’s Champion of the Western County Award, and the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce’s Legislator of the Year Award. 

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