2021 Governor’s Arts & Heritage Awards (GAHA) – January 2022
The 2021 Governor’s Arts & Heritage Awards (GAHA) program will be presented in January 2022. GAHA 2021 will honor and reflect the experiences of the arts and culture sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. The event format and awards categories will be slightly different than previous years.
The arts and culture sector has been hit hard by the Covid-19 Pandemic. Our sector was the first to close and has experienced devastating economic impacts. As we move towards recovery, ArtsWA wants to recognize artists and cultural organizations who have stood as shining lights for their communities. Those whose leadership and steadfast efforts kept hope alive in their communities – even as they were facing pandemic devastation themselves.
This year, instead of our typical Governor’s Arts & Heritage Awards, we will present these leaders with a special Luminary Award. Two awards will be given for each region in the state, one to an individual and one to an organization. The honorees have been announced and are listed below.
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. Stay tuned in the weeks ahead for more news about these honorees and the announcement of the Governor’s Spotlight Award.
The Selection Process
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
Special Thanks to Our Event Sponsors
