Nominations now open!
The 2022 Governor’s Arts & Heritage Awards (GAHA) program will be presented in November, 2022. Nominations will be accepted until June 20, 2022.
Why nominate?
Awards are a powerful way to recognize the organizations and individuals who make a difference in your community. Nominations are your way to thank and celebrate your local arts and heritage heroes.
Governor’s Arts Awards – Categories
Governor’s Heritage Awards – Categories
Read more about the award categories in the nomination guidelines.
A selection panel evaluates nominations. Panel recommendations are forwarded to ArtsWA’s board of commissioners. The Commission deliberates and forwards recommendations to the Governor, who has final approval authority. Once approved, all nominators and nominees are notified and award recipients are announced to the public.
For more information or questions contact:
Miguel Guillén | miguel.guillen@arts.wa.gov | 360-252-9970
Sponsorships make this celebrated event possible. Sponsors also provide complimentary seating for student-artists, awardee family members, or others who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend.
GAHA is seen by:
The promotional campaign for GAHA is seen by ArtsWA’s 12,000 followers on social media.
To learn more about sponsorship, view the sponsorship packet here, or contact Communications Manager Michael Wallenfels at michael.wallenfels@arts.wa.gov.
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.
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. Stay tuned in the weeks ahead for more news about these honorees and the announcement of the Governor’s Spotlight Award.
Davin Diaz – Arts Award – Community (Benton County)
Juan Alonso-Rodríguez – Arts Award – Individual Artist (King County)
Michael Spafford – Arts Award – Legacy (King County)
The 5th Avenue Theatre – Arts Award – Organization (King County)
Anne Banks – Arts Award – Education (Thurston County)
Matt Cadman– Arts Award – Advocacy (Chelan County)
Juan Manuel Barco – Heritage Award – Individual Artist/Practitioner (Snohomish County)
Northwest Native American Basketweavers Association – Heritage Award – Organization (King County)
The Governor’s Arts Awards were established in 1966. They recognize and honor individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to the arts and cultural development of Washington State.
Award categories:
Individual
Organization
Arts Education
Young Arts Leader
Arts Legacy
Arts Advocacy
Philanthropy Award
Community Award
The Governor’s Heritage Awards were established in 1989. They recognize and honor individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to preserving traditions and cultural heritage in Washington State.
Award categories:
Individual
Organization
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.
