LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Arts Council is seeking nominations for the 2026 Governor’s Arts Awards. September 5 is the deadline to submit nominations for those making significant contributions to the arts in Arkansas.
“The Governor’s Arts Awards are an opportunity to recognize those making a positive impact in the arts of our state,” said Shea Lewis, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “For more than 30 years, these awards have celebrated artists and those championing the arts in The Natural State. The arts enrich our economy and are a major driver of tourism, attracting travelers and contributing to the vibrancy and prosperity of our communities.”
The annual awards program recognizes outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses for their influence on the arts in Arkansas. The public is encouraged to submit nominations for the following categories: Arts Community Development, Arts in Education, Corporate Sponsorship of the Arts, Folklife, Individual Artist, Patron and Lifetime Achievement Awards. Finalists are chosen by a panel of arts professionals and a member of the Arkansas Arts Council advisory board. Recipients will be honored at a ceremony in the spring.
Nominees must be current Arkansas residents or Arkansas-based corporations or organizations. Outstanding artists, arts patrons, corporate sponsors, arts education coordinators and local leaders in arts development are all eligible.
“We are so fortunate in Arkansas to have such a thriving arts community. Again this year, we are seeking nominations that recognize those making noteworthy contributions and are having a positive impact on the arts scene in Arkansas,” said Marty Ryall, director of the Heritage Division of ADPHT. “These are the arts supporters, patrons and artists who have helped to build and highlight the arts communities across our great state.”
To make a nomination or for more information, visit the Arkansas Arts Council’s website or contact Cheri Leffew at cheri.leffew@arkansas.gov.
Arkansas Arts Council
The Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of Arkansas Heritage, advances the arts in Arkansas by providing services and supporting arts endeavors that encourage and assist literary, performing and visual artists in achieving standards of professional excellence. In addition, the Arkansas Arts Council provides technical and financial assistance to Arkansas arts organizations and other providers of cultural and educational programs. Arkansas Heritage is a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
Arkansas Heritage
Arkansas Heritage was created in 1975 and is a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. There are eight agencies with unique heritage focuses under the umbrella of this division: Arkansas Arts Council, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, the Delta Cultural Center in Helena, the Old State House Museum, the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, the Historic Arkansas Museum and the Arkansas State Archives.
Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism
The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism protects and promotes our state’s natural, cultural and historic assets, contributing to a thriving economy and high quality of life. It is made up of three divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism.
