2015 Governor's Arts awards recipients with Governor and First Lady Haslam. (Photo c/o TN State Photography)
NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Arts Commission is accepting nominations through July 22, for the 2017 Governor's Arts Awards, to be presented by Governor and First Lady Haslam early next year.
Established in 1971, these accolades are Tennessee's highest honor in the arts, recognizing individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to cultural life.
"The Governor's Arts Awards provide an opportunity to recognize the state's rich cultural heritage, and reward creative excellence in the arts," says Anne Pope, executive director of the commission. "The honored recipients represent the best of Tennessee, with selection based on their extraordinary contributions. Their influence often extends well beyond the state, making an impact across the country and even internationally."
There are three award categories:
FOLKLIFE HERITAGE AWARD
Presented to folk artists or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to Tennessee's traditional arts. The award honors significant achievements within art forms that are rooted in the traditional or ethnic cultures of Tennessee.
ARTS LEADERSHIP AWARD
Presented to individuals or organizations who have demonstrated significant contributions which have affected or advanced the value of the arts in Tennessee. Examples of recipients include: arts organizations, businesses, educators, patrons, arts administrators, corporations and volunteers.
DISTINGUISHED ARTIST AWARD
Presented to Tennessee artists of exceptional talent and creativity in any discipline whose work has significant and lasting impact on a state or national level.
Instructions on the nomination process and the nomination form are available online.
All nominations must include a narrative detailing the nominee's contribution to the arts in a specific award category and why the individual, organization, community or business merits consideration for a Governor's Arts Award. Also, nominations must include at least three but no more than five current letters of support for each nomination. Support letters should provide the selection committee important testimonies and additional information about your nominee. Letters may be written by colleagues, board members, community leaders, educators, etc.
Recipients are selected by an inter-board committee of the Tennessee Arts Commission comprised of the Commission's board members and representatives from the Governor's and First Lady's offices. The 2017 Award recipients will be notified by the Arts Commission in the Fall of 2016.
