The Arkansas Arts Council is accepting nominations for the 2023 Governor’s Arts Awards. The deadline to nominate a recipient is Friday, Sept. 9.

“The creative economy of Arkansas is thriving thanks to the contributions of artists and patrons who give their time, money and efforts,” said Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “For almost 30 years, the Governor’s Arts Awards have recognized these outstanding Arkansans for improving the quality of life in The Natural State.”

The annual awards program recognizes individuals, organizations and businesses for their outstanding contributions to the arts in Arkansas. Recipients are nominated by the public, then selected by an independent panel of arts professionals. Arkansas Heritage Director Jimmy Bryant commented on the value that art has in our shared heritage.

“These awards honor the vital role that art, artists and art patrons play in telling our story – the story of Arkansas,” Bryant said.

Nominations are open in the following categories: Arts Community Development, Arts in Education, Corporate Sponsorship of the Arts, Folklife, Individual Artist, Patron and Lifetime Achievement. The award recipients will be honored at a ceremony in the spring.

Nominees must be current Arkansas residents or Arkansas- based corporations or organizations. Outstanding artists, arts patrons, corporate sponsors, arts education coordinators and local leaders in arts development are all eligible to apply.

“We’re seeking nominations of those folks who have dedicated so much of their lives to building a thriving arts community here in Arkansas,” said Patrick Ralston, director of the Arkansas Arts Council. “These are the people who strengthen the rich portfolio of Arkansas arts.”

To make a nomination or for more information, visit the Arkansas Arts Council’s website or contact Cheri Leffew at [email protected].