The Mississippi Arts Commission is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Governor’s Arts Awards, an annual ceremony that recognizes individuals and organizations that have made noteworthy contributions to the arts in the state. The deadline to submit nominations is June 5, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.

The 2025 Governor’s Arts Awards will take place on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 6 p.m. CST in Jackson.

The Governor’s Arts Awards program signifies the important relationship between government and the arts. Established in 1988, the Governor’s Arts Awards recognize individuals and organizations who have made noteworthy contributions to or achieved artistic excellence in Mississippi. The Mississippi Arts Commission presents the awards each year in partnership with the Governor’s Office.

NOMINATE AN ARTIST OR ORGANIZATION

Each year, members of the public are invited to nominate outstanding individuals and organizations to receive a Governor’s Arts Award. Nominations for the 2024 awards closed on Monday, June 19, 2023. Nominations for the 2025 Governor’s Arts Awards will open in Spring 2024.

Who is eligible?
Artists or organizations that have made significant contributions to the arts will be considered to receive this award. Nominated artists do not have to reside in the state currently but must have significant ties to the state through some years of residency. Awards are given once; previous recipients are ineligible. Also, no posthumous nominations will be accepted. If selected, the nominee must agree to receive the award at the ceremony to be held in February 2024 in Jackson, Mississippi.

Nomination and Selection Process
Nominations open each spring. Once the nominations are open, the public is encouraged to submit nominations for the Governor’s Arts Awards. Once the nominations are submitted, a panel of judges, many of whom possess a deep knowledge of Mississippi’s vast arts community, selects several of those nominated to receive a Governor’s Arts Award.

NOMINATION INFORMATION

MAC is using our grants system for the nomination process this year. Utilizing this system will allow nominators to save their progress, collaborate with others, and easily re-apply if their nominee is not selected. If you are still unfamiliar with the system or need an account, the video below will walk you through creating an account.

To submit a nomination, visit arts.ms.gov/apply