The Arkansas Arts Council is seeking nominations for the 2026 Governor’s Arts Awards. September 5 is the deadline to submit nominations for those making significant contributions to the arts in Arkansas.
“The Governor’s Arts Awards are an opportunity to recognize those making a positive impact in the arts of our state,” said Shea Lewis, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
“For more than 30 years, these awards have celebrated artists and those championing the arts in The Natural State. The arts enrich our economy and are a major driver of tourism, attracting travelers and contributing to the vibrancy and prosperity of our communities.”
The annual awards program recognizes outstanding individuals, organizations, and businesses for their influence on the arts in Arkansas. The public is encouraged to submit nominations for the following categories:
Arts Community Development Award
A civic leader who has taken a leadership role in creating an environment for artists and the arts to flourish in their local community. Potential nominees include arts administrators, elected public officials, and community volunteers.
Arts in Education Award
An individual or organization that has made significant contributions in integrating the arts into the educational curriculum within the school system or through creating educational opportunities in the arts outside the school setting.
Corporate Sponsorship of the Arts Award
An Arkansas for-profit business that has made a significant contribution in support of the arts in this state. This does not include foundations associated with for-profit businesses, stand-alone foundations, or 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
Folklife Award
An individual or group that actively practices, shares, and preserves folklife traditions within a cultural community. Examples include traditional crafts, dance, foodways, music, storytelling, or shared contemporary cultural traditions and artforms built on tradition.
Individual Artist Award
An artist active in the field of architecture, contemporary crafts, design, film, literature, performing arts, or visual arts who has made significant contributions to their art form.
Patron Award
An individual or family who has made significant philanthropic contributions to the development of the arts.
Lifetime Achievement Award
An artist or group whose contributions to the arts over a lifetime have fostered significant recognition, or an art patron whose lifetime of dedication to the development and support of the arts will sustain the arts beyond their lifetime.
Finalists are chosen by a panel of arts professionals and a member of the Arkansas Arts Council advisory board. 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.
“We are so fortunate in Arkansas to have such a thriving arts community. Again this year, we are seeking nominations that recognize those making noteworthy contributions and are having a positive impact on the arts scene in Arkansas,” said Marty Ryall, director of the Heritage Division of ADPHT.
“These are the arts supporters, patrons, and artists who have helped to build and highlight the arts communities across our great state.”
To make a nomination or for more information, visit the Arkansas Arts Council’s website, or contact Cheri Leffew at cheri.leffew@arkansas.gov.
