The Kentucky Arts Council is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Governor’s Awards in the Arts, the commonwealth’s highest honor, recognizing outstanding achievement and contributions in the arts.
Nominations must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. Eastern on May 31, 2026.
Administered annually by the Kentucky Arts Council, the Governor’s Awards in the Arts celebrate the individuals and organizations whose work strengthens Kentucky’s cultural landscape and contributes to the state’s $7 billion arts industry.
Artists, educators, organizations and arts advocates may be nominated in six categories:
- Milner Award – Honors outstanding philanthropic, artistic or other contributions to the arts
- Artist Award – Recognizes lifetime achievement in the arts
- Community Arts Award – Celebrates individuals or organizations making a meaningful impact through community-based arts
- Education Award – Honors significant contributions to arts education
- Folk Heritage Award – Recognizes efforts to preserve and promote Kentucky’s traditional arts practiced in Kentucky
- National Award – Honors Kentuckians who have achieved national prominence in the arts
Nominees must be Kentucky residents or organizations based in the commonwealth. National Award nominees may be past or present Kentuckians with a strong connection to the commonwealth.
For more information about the nominating process, visit the Kentucky Arts Council website.
The Kentucky Arts Council welcomes your questions. For more information, contact:
Leeann Potter
Communications Director
Kentucky Arts Council
(502) 782-5932
[email protected]