Performer Andrew Levitt, widely recognized for his drag persona Nina West, has been selected as the 14th recipient of the annual Raymond J. Hanley Award. This award, presented by the Raymond J. Hanley Fund at The Columbus Foundation, recognizes artists with a significant track record of achievement and at least five years of work in their discipline.

Levitt, a Columbus-based artist since 2001, gained international fame on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and has since built a multifaceted career as a drag performer, activist, actor, singer-songwriter, and philanthropist. He is currently touring nationally in “Hairspray” and has released music, a children’s book, and appeared in films. The award includes a $15,000 unrestricted grant to support his artistic endeavors.

The Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) will honor Levitt at their Big Arts Night event on Thursday, November 3, at the Southern Theatre and Westin Great Southern Hotel in Columbus, Ohio. The Raymond J. Hanley Award was established by past chairs of the GCAC board to celebrate artists who embody advocacy and partnership within the arts community.

Source: https://www.gcac.org/press-release/nina-west-creator-and-performer-andrew-levitt-to-receive-2022-raymond-j-hanley-award/