The Kansas Department of Commerce announced it is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Governor’s Arts Awards, which honor individuals, organizations, and communities for their exceptional contributions to the arts in Kansas. This award recognizes those who have made a significant impact on the arts through education, creativity, community engagement, and support for the arts sector.
Nominations are open to the public and can be submitted via the official online form. The deadline for nominations is December 13th.
The 2025 Award Categories include:
Arts Leader of the Year – An individual demonstrating extraordinary leadership and vision in advancing the arts.
Arts Organization of the Year – An organization recognized for exemplary work in the arts, whether through significant artistic achievement or substantial contributions to the growth and vitality of the arts.
Arts Patron of the Year – An individual who generously supports the arts through financial contributions, in-kind donations, or dedicated volunteer efforts, without being directly involved as an artist or administrator.
Emerging Arts Leader of the Year – An early-career professional who exhibits leadership and significant potential for future impact in the arts.
Emerging Arts Organization of the Year – A newly established or developing organization making significant strides in the arts and growing in influence.
Excellence in Arts Education – An educator, arts education program, or organization recognized for long-term excellence and innovation in arts education.
Excellence in the Arts in Business – A business or corporation demonstrating outstanding and sustained support of the arts.
Excellence in Public Service in the Arts – A government official at the local, state, or federal level who has shown exceptional support and advocacy for the arts.
Kansas Arts Legacy Award – an individual or organization with a lifetime of long-standing, significant impact on the arts in Kansas and/or beyond, enriching the cultural landscape through artistic achievements, leadership, philanthropy, or advocacy over many years. This award may be given posthumously.
Excellence in Artistic Achievement in:
• Dance
• Literature (includes all creative writing forms)
• Media Arts (includes film, video, audio, kinetic digital arts, interactive media, and other related forms)
• Music
• Theatre
• Visual Arts (includes painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, drawing, crafts, public art, and other related forms)
• Other Art Forms
To nominate an individual or organization, see the official nomination form.
For more information on eligibility criteria and the nomination process, contact the Kansas Department of Commerce or visit their website at kansascommerce.gov.
