The Governor’s Arts Awards, hosted annually by the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) in partnership with the Governor’s Office, honors individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the arts or achieved artistic excellence in Mississippi. Since its establishment in 1988, the program has celebrated a diverse array of artists, educators, institutions, and community leaders who have positively influenced the state’s rich cultural heritage.

The nomination process for the 2026 Governor’s Arts Awards will open on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, and close on Friday, May 30, 2025, at midnight. Public nominations are encouraged and must be submitted through MAC’s online grants system, which allows nominators to save progress and collaborate if needed. Self-nominations are not accepted, but individuals can ask someone else to nominate them.

Eligible nominees include artists and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding impact in the arts. Nominees must have significant ties to Mississippi, either by residency or notable connection. However, posthumous nominations are not accepted, and previous award recipients are ineligible for another award. If selected, nominees must agree to receive the award in person at the ceremony scheduled for Thursday, February 12, 2026, in Jackson, Mississippi.

Nominations are evaluated by a panel of judges with expertise in Mississippi’s visual and performing arts sectors. Awards categories vary each year but commonly include Excellence in Music, Lifetime Achievement, Excellence in Visual Arts, Arts in Community, Cultural Ambassadorship, and more.

Each year, the awards ceremony is recorded and broadcast in partnership with Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB). Sponsorship opportunities are also available through the Community Foundation for Mississippi, allowing individuals and businesses to support the event and receive recognition in print materials if contributions are received by January 7, 2026.

For assistance with nominations, the Mississippi Arts Commission provides video tutorials and support for navigating the online system.