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About the Governor's Arts Awards

Since 1975, the Governor's Arts Awards has recognized hundreds of individuals and organizations whose efforts have impacted the arts in their communities or throughout the state. The awards are presented every two years by the Governor of Oklahoma during a special ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Nominations may be submitted during the published nomination period. Awards are determined by a selection committee comprised of members of the Governor-appointed Oklahoma Arts Council board. Receive updates about the Governor's Arts Awards.

See past honorees.
View photos of the event.

Honorees

Since the first Governor's Arts Awards in 1975, hundreds of individuals and organizations from across Oklahoma have been recognized for their efforts in the arts. See the list.

Eligibility

Governor's Arts Awards nominees must be current, full-time Oklahoma residents or organizations that work in and for the benefit of Oklahoma. Awards are not given posthumously. Previous recipients of The Governor's Award are not eligible. Nominations for arts organizations, employees of arts organizations, or educators should reflect activity beyond normal expectations or responsibilities.

Criteria

The following is used as criteria by the selection committee. Submissions are not required to address all criteria.

• Nominee's involvement in the arts

• Nominee's leadership in major initiatives

• Nominee's efforts to increase funding and resources for the arts

• Nominee's efforts to increase public awareness of the arts

• Nominee's efforts to increase access to the arts for underserved individuals and/or communities

• Nominee's impact on arts education

• Nominee's volunteer work in the arts

Categories

The Selection Committee reserves the right to honor a recipient in a category of its choice. 

• The Governor's Award - Recognizes individuals for longtime leadership and significant contributions to the arts across Oklahoma.

• Arts in Education Award - Recognizes an individual, organization, school, educator or group for their outstanding leadership and service in the arts benefitting youth and/or arts in education.

• Business in the Arts Award - Recognizes businesses/corporations who exhibit outstanding support of the arts in Oklahoma.

• Community Service Award - Recognizes individuals for significant contributions to the arts in specific Oklahoma communities in the areas of leadership and volunteerism.

• Media in the Arts Award - Recognizes an individual member in the media who demonstrates commitment to the arts in Oklahoma documented through public awareness support and fairness, initiative, creativity and professionalism in reporting.

• George Nigh Public Service in the Arts Award - Recognizes an Oklahoma government official for outstanding support of the arts.

Nominations

Nominations are accepted during the published nominating period. Nominations require a two to three page typewritten narrative that addresses the nominee's efforts related to the criteria listed on this page. Up to three pages of optional support materials are accepted, but not required. Support materials may include news clippings, letters of recommendation, and other items that demonstrate the nominee's impact. Audio and video materials are not be accepted.

Accessibility

The following are made available during the Governor's Arts Awards ceremony:

• Large print programs
• Reserved seating for guests who have hearing impairments
• A sign-language interpreter
• Reserved seating for guests in wheelchairs
• Wheelchairs may be available (please contact us in advance to inquire)

If you plan to attend the Governor's Arts Awards ceremony and have needs related to accessibility not listed above, please contact us at (405) 521-2931 or okarts@arts.ok.gov. It is the goal of the Oklahoma Arts Council staff to meet the needs of all our constituents who wish to attend the Governor's Arts Awards.

Questions?
For more information, contact our Director of Marketing & Communications.