The Governor’s Arts & Heritage Awards (GAHA) recognize individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to Washington’s creative vitality.
To be eligible for a GAHA, individuals or organizations must be:
- Current Washington residents; or
- Based in Washington during the time the contributions were made
As of 2018, 263 Washington State artists and organizations have been honored with a GAHA award.
Support GAHA
Become an Event Sponsor or Place an Ad in Our Program
Sponsorships make this prestigious event possible. More than 250 Washingtonians attend the annual GAHA event. They represent elected officials, artists, arts organizations, culture bearers, students and patrons of the arts and heritage. Each year, the event is hosted in a different community. This gives people from across the state access to ArtsWA’s program, and allows those communities to highlight and share their artistic and cultural resources with their fellow Washingtonians. Sponsors also provide complimentary seating for student-artists, awardee family members, or others who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend.
Award Categories
Governor’s Arts Awards
About the Governor's Arts Awards
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
Governor’s Heritage Awards
About the Governor's Heritage Awards
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 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 | 360-586-0424
Past Awardees
Congratulations to our 2019 GAHA winners!
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)