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Governor's Arts Awards

Oklahoma Cultural Treasures

The Governor of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Arts Council may designate an individual as an Oklahoma Cultural Treasure if that individual is considered especially precious or valuable by a particular period, class, community or population. Among the criteria for the selection are that the designee must be 70 years of age or older, be a bearer of intangible cultural assets and have outstanding artistic or historical worth.

Oklahoma Cultural Treasures

2021 Joy Harjo
2018 Wanda Jackson
2015 Ed Ruscha
2004 John Hope Franklin
2002 Wilson Hurley
2001 Charles Banks Wilson
1999 N. Scott Momaday
1997 Yvonne Chouteau
1997 Rosella Hightower
1997 Moscelyne Larkin
1997 Maria Tallchief
1997 Marjorie Tallchief
1995 Doc Tate Nevaquaya
1987 Te Ata

Oklahoma Cultural Ambassadors

The Governor of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Arts Council may designate an individual as an Oklahoma Cultural Ambassador. Established in 1984, the Oklahoma Cultural Ambassador award traditionally honors native Oklahomans who have made an impact in the arts, achieving national and international acclaim for their work.

2021 Kristin Chenoweth
2003 Leona Mitchell
2001 Alfre Woodard
1997 W. Richard West
1990 Stephen Dickson
1989 James Garner
1984 Allan Houser

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