Join us on the Meredith Stage in Dell Hall as we honor our 2024 award recipients with an incredible luncheon filled with special live performances.   

The Long Center Icon Award honors individuals, corporations, and organizations in our community for their outstanding commitment to the arts in Austin. Award recipients embody the Long Center’s values of live arts, community, and diversity and have been guiding forces in our vision that everyone deserves access to the arts and cultural experiences. 

Proceeds from the Icon Awards support the Long Center’s mission to serve and uplift Austin’s artistic community while being a catalyst for creative discovery in our community.

The Three J’s 

Jo Anne Christian, Jane Sibley and Jare Smith

The Long Center story began with three forward-thinking and resilient Texas women. For years Jare Smith, Jo Anne Christian, and Jane Sibley encouraged and persuaded Central Texas philanthropists and civic leaders to recognize and celebrate the performing arts by creating a premier cultural showplace in Austin.

Their tireless work on behalf of Austin Opera, Austin Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Austin and dozens more arts organizations in Austin, spearheaded the civic movement and initial Capital Campaign that built the Long Center.

As unwavering and persistent advocates, the trio became known as “The Three J’s”. The Long Center will present the award to Jare Smith and is given posthumously to Jo Anne Christian and Jane Sibley.

H-E-B

Giving back to the communities it serves is at the heart of H-E-B’s corporate values and one of the myriad reasons they are beloved across Central Texas. H-E-B has been an impactful and dedicated supporter of the Long Center from the inception of our Capital Campaign and their continued support for over 15 years has help the Long Center bring hundreds of free community events and performances to Austin on our H-E-B Terrace.

Known for its innovation, community service, and commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B celebrates its 118th anniversary this year.  Based in San Antonio, H-E-B runs over 400 stores, employs over 154,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities.