Nominations Open for Governor’s Arts Awards 2025

The Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) has announced that nominations are now open for the 2025 Kansas Governor’s Arts Awards, celebrating individuals, organizations, and communities for their exceptional contributions to advancing the arts in Kansas. These prestigious awards, last presented in 2011, aim to recognize leadership and innovation in the arts that enrich the state culturally and economically. Nominations will be accepted until Friday, December 13, 2024. Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland emphasized the importance of the arts to the state, noting their role in fostering creativity and contributing significantly to Kansas's economy. “These awards will shine a spotlight on leaders in the arts whose work is shaping the cultural and economic landscape of our state,” Toland stated. The awards ceremony will take place in Topeka on February 20, 2025, celebrating excellence across various categories, including: Arts Advocate of the Year Arts Community of the Year Arts Leader of the Year Arts Organization of the Year Arts Patron of the Year Emerging Arts Leader of the Year Emerging Arts Organization of the Year Excellence in Arts Education Excellence in the Arts in Business Excellence in Public Service in the Arts Kansas Arts Legacy Award Excellence in Artistic Achievement Curtis Young, KAC Director, highlighted the program’s mission to honor the state’s dynamic arts and culture sector. “The Governor’s Arts Awards acknowledge our vibrant arts and culture community for their contributions to a thriving Kansas,” he said. To nominate an individual, organization, or community, or to learn more about the process, visit the Kansas Arts Commission’s website. For additional information, contact Ben Stanton at email or by phone at (785) 213-5959. These awards are an opportunity to celebrate the creative visionaries who inspire, educate, and contribute to the cultural richness of Kansas.