Chieko Phillips (left) and Barbara Earl Thomas (right) at the 2016 Governor’s Arts & Heritage Awards. Thomas was an Individual Artist Award honoree. Photo courtesy of Eva Blanchard Photography.
Governor's Arts & Heritage Awards
Chieko Phillips (left) and Barbara Earl Thomas (right) at the 2016 Governor’s Arts & Heritage Awards. Thomas was an Individual Artist Award honoree. Photo courtesy of Eva Blanchard Photography.

2022 Governor’s Arts & Heritage Awards (GAHA) – Honorees

ArtsWA is thrilled to announce the 2022 Governor’s Arts & Heritage Award honorees.

Arts Awards

Individual Artist | Yegizaw (Yeggy) Michael

Organization | One Reel

Legacy | Robb Hunt

Advocacy | Dow Constantine

Community Organization | MusicWorks4Veterans

Individual | Yvonne A.K. Johnson

Heritage Awards

Individual | Carol Emarthle-Douglas

Individual | Deepti Agrawal

Organization | Historic Lincoln Theatre

Thank you to everyone who sent in a nomination. Your stories revealed the amazing arts-based work being done to lift people up across the state. Stay tuned in the weeks ahead for more news about these honorees and the digital celebration.

We invite you to watch a special virtual presentation of the 2022 Governor’s Arts & Heritage Awards. Meet the nine extraordinary honorees who are working to keep arts and heritage vibrant across Washington State.

Livestream Presentation: the 2021 Luminary Awards

The 2021 Governor’s Arts & Heritage Luminary Awards streamed live on Thursday, January 13 at 7:00 p.m. PST on YouTube. We invite everyone to enjoy this free presentation.

2021 Governor’s Arts & Heritage Awards (GAHA) – Honorees

ArtsWA is thrilled to announce the 2021 Governor’s Arts & Heritage Luminary Award honorees.

Spotlight honoree | The Governor’s Spotlight award is given to an individual chosen by the Governor for their extraordinary use of the arts and humanities to benefit their community during the pandemic. Join us in celebrating:

Governor’s Spotlight | Delbert Richardson

Regional honorees | These exceptional individuals and organizations used the arts and humanities to shine a light for their communities during the darkness of the pandemic. Join us in celebrating:

Southwest Region | Organization – Asia Pacific Cultural Center

Southwest Region | Individual – Douglas Orr

Central Region | Organization – Gallery One

Eastern Region | Organization – Spokane Valley Summer Theatre

Eastern Region | Individual – Jeremy Whittington

Northwest Region | Organization – Path with Art

Northwest Region | Individual – Akuyea Karen Vargas

Thank you to everyone who sent in a nomination. Your stories revealed the amazing arts-based work being done to lift people up across the state.

Special Thanks to Our 2022 Event Sponsors

About the Awards

The Governor’s Arts Awards, established in 1966, recognize outstanding individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to the arts and cultural development of Washington State.

The Governor’s Heritage Awards, established in 1989, honor outstanding individuals and organizations whose dedication to preserving and promoting traditions and cultural heritage are worthy of state recognition.