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 are accepted during a 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 previous honorees
View photos of the ceremony

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

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.

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

• What is the nominee's history of involvement in the arts, and how has that involvement impacted communities and/or schools?
• If the nominee is employed in the arts, how have they gone above and beyond their normal responsibilities to have a compelling impact?
• Do more Oklahomans have access to the arts as a result of the nominee?
• What major initiatives has the nominee led?
• Has the nominee helped to increase funding and resources for the arts?
• Do Oklahomans have greater opportunities for arts education as a result of the nominee?
• Has the nominee advanced public awareness of the arts?

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 are accepted during the published nominating period. Nominations require a two- to three-page 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.