RICHMOND, VA.- The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is now accepting nominations for its 5th Annual Muse Awards. The nomination deadline is March 12.

The Muse Awards honor extraordinary creativity in Virginia business and recognize the major role that creativity plays in Virginia industry.

Semi-finalists will be announced April 6, and Muse Awards winners will be recognized at the museum April 30.

“Creativity is a powerful yet often unrecognized component of success, and its application within the Virginia business community is helping to shape the commonwealth into a diverse and dynamic economic region,” says Eddie Gugelman of SunTrust Bank Mid-Atlantic. Gugelman is chair of the VMFA Business Council, which sponsors the Muse Awards.

Business organizations, professional groups, and business and professional councils in Virginia are eligible to nominate themselves or other for-profit Virginia businesses that practice unique and creative approaches.

“Just as VMFA’s collection celebrates the best of creative expression for the past 6,000 years, the Muse Awards celebrate creative genius and inspire Virginia companies to lead the way,” Gugelman says.

The Muse program culminates with an Un-Gala awards celebration. The theme of the party is different each year and is a closely guarded secret.

“One thing is certain about the 2009 Un-Gala,” says John Lucas, vice-chair of the Business Council. “The museum itself will reflect the theme, and guests will be surprised and delighted by a uniquely creative evening.”

“Previous Muse competitions have recognized a broad spectrum of innovative companies that really sought to challenge traditional thinking”, says Charles Ajemian, creative director at NC4 in Richmond and VMFA Business Council communications committee chair.

Last year, more than 70 businesses were nominated, and 18 semi-finalists were selected. Catalyst received the 2008 Top Muse award in recognition of its project to convert boarded-up retail spaces in Richmond into temporary art galleries featuring work by local artists.

Muse Awards winners receive a cast-aluminum spiral trophy patterned after a chambered nautilus, meant to symbolize the natural evolution of creativity.

Nomination forms and guidelines are available on the museum’s Web site: www.vmfa.museum/muse. Forms also may be requested by sending an e-mail or fax to VMFA Corporate Relations Manager Elizabeth Lowsley-Williams (elizabeth.lowsley-williams@vmfa.museum or fax 804-340-1465).