Nominations Open for 2027 Governor’s Arts Awards
From Tennessee Arts Commission –
Nashville – The Tennessee Arts Commission is now accepting nominations for the 2027 Governor’s Arts Awards. Established in 1971, these awards are Tennessee’s highest honor in the arts, recognizing individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the state’s cultural life. Nominations are due August 31, 2026.
“The Governor’s Arts Awards celebrate Tennessee’s vibrant arts scene by honoring individuals whose creativity and talent have made a significant impact,” says Anne B. Pope, Executive Director of the Commission. “These award winners represent the pinnacle of artistic achievement in our state, and their influence has made a significant impact both within our state and beyond.”
Awards are made in three categories:
- FOLKLIFE HERITAGE AWARD
Presented to folk artists or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to Tennessee’s traditional arts. The award honors significant achievements within art forms that are rooted in the traditional or ethnic cultures of Tennessee.
- ARTS LEADERSHIP AWARD
Presented to individuals or organizations who have demonstrated significant contributions that have impacted or advanced the value of the arts in Tennessee. Examples of recipients include educators, arts organizations, businesses, patrons, arts administrators, corporations, and volunteers.
- DISTINGUISHED ARTIST AWARD
Presented to Tennessee artists of exceptional talent and creativity in any discipline whose work has significant and lasting impact on a state or national level.
Each nomination must include responses to the four required narrative questions outlining the nominee’s contributions to the arts and why they should be considered for a Governor’s Arts Award. In addition, each nomination must include three current letters of support. These letters should provide further insight into the nominee’s work, impact, and service to the arts in Tennessee, and may be submitted by colleagues, board members, community leaders, educators, or others familiar with the nominee’s contributions.
Recipients are selected by a committee of the Tennessee Arts Commission’s board members and representatives from the Governor’s and First Lady’s offices. The 2027 Award recipients will be notified by the Tennessee Arts Commission in the spring/summer of 2027.
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For more information about the Tennessee Governor’s Arts Awards, including a list of previous recipients, visit https://tnartscommission.org/governors-arts-awards/.
To submit a nomination, visit https://tnartscommission.org/governors-arts-awards/award-nomination-online-form/.
For questions, contact Christa Abernathy, christa.abernathy@tn.gov
Tennessee Arts Commission Media Contact: art.communications@tn.gov
