Governor’s Awards for the Arts in Ohio
Governor’s Awards for the Arts in Ohio
Background
Since 1971, the Governor's Awards for the Arts in Ohio has recognized individuals, organizations, and businesses who have been vital to the growth and development of Ohio's cultural resources. The most prestigious arts event in Ohio, the Governor's Awards showcases and celebrates exceptional Ohio artists, arts organizations, arts leaders and patrons, and business support of the arts. 2023 Governor's Awards recipients will be honored at a spring ceremony in Columbus and presented with the only arts award conferred by the Governor of Ohio. Each winner will receive an original piece of artwork created specifically for the event by an Ohio artist and the opportunity to share their story statewide.
Nomination Deadline & Submission
2023 nominations are open now through Tuesday, August 23, at 5 p.m. in eight categories. Nominations are submitted online via the following link: https://rebrand.ly/GovAwardsNomination2023
Nomination Contents
In general, nominators lead the process of writing the narrative, gathering support letters, and submitting the nomination via the online form, as detailed below. Nominations may be submitted by organizations or individuals. Nominations consist of:
1) A 350-800-word nomination narrative – This narrative introduces the nominee's accomplishments and contributions. Consider the following ideas when writing your narrative:
- How does the nominee contribute to, uplift, and influence the arts in their community?
- Who benefits from the nominee’s leadership in the arts (e.g., rural, urban, or suburban communities; students/youth; senior citizens; and so on)?
- Describe the nominee’s impact through the arts (e.g., enhanced education, collaborations among business and artists/arts organizations, public art, philanthropy, arts policy, and so on).
- How would you tell the nominee’s story in a media interview – who what, when, where, and how has the nominee been successful in the arts?
2) Up to five letters of support (optional) – A well-rounded nomination includes a variety of support letters that highlight the nominee's strengths and are not repetitive of the narrative. These letters may come from colleagues, community members, local officials, board members, or educators and offer testimonies and perspective on a nominee’s impact.
Award Eligibility & Selection
Nominations are open to organizations or individuals who work or reside in Ohio. Nominees must be living (i.e., no posthumous awards). As a highly competitive process, nominations of previously unselected nominees are encouraged. Ultimately, nominations are reviewed by Ohio Arts Council board members, and the Governor's Office determines final award winners.
Categories
Nominations may be made in eight categories:
ARTS ADMINISTRATION | Individual who has shown sustained, impactful, and visionary leadership of an arts organization.
ARTS EDUCATION | Individual or organization that has made significant contributions through leadership and creativity to advance arts education in Ohio's schools and community organizations.
ARTS PATRON | Individual, or individual or family foundation, that, over time, has sustained and enhanced the arts in their community or the state of Ohio through contributions of their time, effort, or financial resources.
BUSINESS SUPPORT OF THE ARTS (Large) | Private or nonprofit business with 100 or more employees that has, over time, provided extraordinary support to the arts locally, statewide, regionally, or nationally through a contribution of personnel, financial, or other resources. Nominations will be considered in both a small and large category.
BUSINESS SUPPORT OF THE ARTS (Small) | Private or nonprofit business with fewer than 100 employees that has, over time, provided extraordinary support to the arts locally, statewide, regionally, or nationally through a contribution of personnel, financial, or other resources. Nominations will be considered in both a small and large category.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND PARTICIPATION | Individual or organization that works to create or strengthen interactive arts participation among diverse community members while increasing public awareness about the role of the arts in community life.
INDIVIDUAL ARTIST | Ohio artist whose work has made a significant impact on his or her discipline locally, statewide, regionally, or nationally.
IRMA LAZARUS AWARD | The Irma Lazarus Award goes to individuals or organizations who have helped shape public support for the arts through their work as advocates and have brought national and international recognition to Ohio through sustained dedication to artistic excellence.
Questions?
Ohio Arts Council staffers Justin Nigro (614-728-4445 or justin.nigro@oac.ohio.gov) and Katie Monahan (614-728-4475 or katie.monahan@oac.ohio.gov) are happy to answer questions regarding nominations throughout the process.
