Governor’s Arts Award deadline Aug. 2

OKLAHOMA CITY – The deadline to submit a nomination for the 2016 Governor’s Arts Awards is Aug. 2.

Awards are presented to individuals and organizations in several categories for contributions to the arts in Oklahoma communities and schools. Gov. Mary Fallin will present the awards at a special ceremony at the state Capitol in the fall.

Award categories include:

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 benefiting youth and/or arts in education.

Business in the Arts Award – recognizes businesses/corporations who exhibit outstanding support of the arts in Oklahoma. This award was created in memory of Earl Sneed, prominent arts advocate.

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. This award was created in memory of Bill Crawford, veteran professional journalist.

George Nigh Public Service in the Arts Award – recognizes an Oklahoma government official for outstanding support of the arts. This award was named in honor of former Oklahoma Gov. George Nigh.

Nominees must be current residents of the State of Oklahoma and living in Oklahoma full time, or organizations/businesses that work in and for the benefit of Oklahoma. Previous recipients of the Governor’s Award are not eligible. Honorees will be selected by the Governor’s Arts Awards Selection Committee, which is comprised of members of the Governor-appointed Oklahoma Arts Council board and may include past Governor’s Award recipients.

An online nomination form and a downloadable nomination form are available at arts.ok.gov.

More information is available by contacting Joel Gavin at the Oklahoma Arts Council at (405) 521-2037 or [email protected].