The Albert B. Head Legacy Award (formerly the Special Council Legacy Award) recognizes public officials, arts patrons, or arts educators who have empowered arts to thrive in their community, creating lasting importance for future generations in Alabama and beyond.

Previous awardees include:

• Vestal Goodman (posthumous award) - Fyffe, AL/Nashville, TN
• Gee's Bend Quilters - Boykin, AL
• Kathryn Tucker Windham - Selma, AL
• Patsy Riley - Montgomery/Ashland, AL
• Senator J.T. "Jabo" Waggoner - Birmingham, AL
• Jim Hudson - Huntsville, AL
• Mayor Todd Strange - Montgomery, AL (2017)
• Mayor Tommy Battle - Huntsville, AL (2019)
• Patty McDonald (posthumous award) - Birmingham, AL (2022)
• Jeanie Thompson - Montgomery, AL (2024)