Governor's Awards for the Arts & Humanities

Funder: Georgia Humanities, in partnership with the Office of the Governor and the Georgia Council for the Arts

Geographic Scope: Georgia (statewide)

Award Type: Recognition and honor awards

Program Overview

The Governor's Awards for the Arts & Humanities recognize and honor individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the civic or cultural vitality of Georgia.

History

• 1986-2011: Georgia Humanities recognized local community members and organizations that worked to increase understanding and appreciation of the humanities through the Governor's Awards in the Humanities
• 2012-Present: Partnership expanded with Georgia Council for the Arts and Office of the Governor to create the Governor's Awards for the Arts & Humanities, recognizing both arts and humanities contributions

Eligibility

• Individuals living in Georgia
• Georgia-based organizations and institutions
• Those making outstanding contributions to civic or cultural vitality

2025 Award Recipients

Individuals:

• Andy Gaines (Marietta)
• Sherrill Milnes (Savannah)
• Sasikala Penumarthi (Duluth)
• Dennis Skelley (Augusta)
• Luciana Spracher (Savannah)
• Tomer Zvulun (Atlanta)

Organizations:

• Atlanta Drum Academy (Riverdale)
• Okefenokee Heritage Center (Waycross)
• The Suzi Bass Awards (Atlanta)
• Union County Historical Society (Blairsville)

Partners

• Office of the Governor
• Georgia Council for the Arts

How to Nominate

1. Review Nomination Guidelines - Access 2025 nomination guidelines to understand selection criteria and requirements
2. Submit Nomination - Submit through the nomination process (specific submission details available in the guidelines)
3. Selection Process - Nominations are reviewed and honorees are selected for their outstanding contributions to the civic or cultural vitality of Georgia
4. Public Recognition - Recipients are publicly honored and celebrated

Note: Specific nomination requirements, deadlines, and submission procedures are detailed in the published nomination guidelines available on the website.