The Tennessee Arts Commission announced a Call for Nominations for the 2013 Governor's Arts Awards. The Governor's Arts Awards were established in 1971 to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the cultural life of Tennessee. The awards are Tennessee's highest honor in the arts, celebrating the outstanding contributions of artists, arts organizations, volunteers, schools, educators, local governments, legislators and corporate citizens on the state and national level.
The 2013 awards will be presented in Nashville during a special ceremony at Conservation Hall, located near the Executive Residence, in the spring of 2013.
The three award categories include: the Folklife Heritage Award; the Arts Leadership Award; and the Distinguished Artist Award. The Folklife Heritage Award is presented to folk artists or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to artistic tradition. The award honors significant achievements within art forms that are rooted in the traditional or ethnic cultures of Tennessee.
The Arts Leadership Award is presented to arts organizations, businesses, educators, patrons, arts administrators, corporations and volunteers that have demonstrated significant support or participation in activities on a statewide basis that advance the value of the arts in Tennessee communities.
The Distinguished Artist Award is presented to Tennessee artists of exceptional talent and creativity in any discipline who have contributed to the arts and influenced directions, trends and aesthetic practices on a state and national level.
The nomination form is available on the commission's website (www.tn.gov/arts). Nominations may be submitted by organizations or individuals. Nomination forms and letters of support must be received by the Tennessee Arts Commission no later than 4:30 p.m. (CST) on Feb. 1.
