Oklahoma Arts Council seeks nominations for awards

The Oklahoma Arts Council is seeking nominations through Aug. 6 for the 2009 Governor's Arts Awards.

"The 34th Annual Governor's Arts Awards is an opportunity to celebrate Oklahoma arts and the people that facilitate its success," said Executive Director Suzanne Tate. "During my travels, I've seen many examples across this state of how individuals, businesses, government leaders and organizations have worked to harness arts and cultural development to create economic opportunity, provide a high quality of community life and ignite the creative potential of Oklahoma's youth."

Tate encourages Oklahomans to nominate citizens and organizations that have contributed to the arts in their communities or throughout the state. The Oklahoma Arts Council has managed the Governor's Arts Awards program since 1975.

CATEGORIES
The Governor's Arts Award Categories are:

Governor's Award - recognizes individuals for longtime leadership and significant contributions to the arts across Oklahoma. Business in the Arts Award - recognizes businesses/corporations who exhibit outstanding support of the arts in Oklahoma. 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.  Arts & 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. Community Service Award - recognizes individuals for significant contributions to the arts in specific Oklahoma communities in the areas of leadership and volunteerism. George Nigh Public Service in the Arts Award - recognizes an Oklahoma government official for outstanding support of the arts.

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.

Nomination forms are available online or by calling 521-2931. -Gazette staff