The 2025 Governor’s Awards in the Arts is a prestigious recognition program coordinated by the Kentucky Arts Council to honor individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the arts in Kentucky or at the national level. The awards are considered the highest arts honors presented by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Nominations are currently being accepted, with a submission deadline of May 31, 2025.

The awards are presented across six categories: Milner Award, Artist Award, Community Arts Award, Education Award, Folk Heritage Award, and National Award. Each category has distinct criteria. For example, the Artist Award honors lifetime artistic achievement, while the Education Award acknowledges impactful contributions to arts education. Nominees must meet residency and eligibility requirements specific to their category. The program does not permit nominations of deceased individuals or past award recipients in any category.

The nomination process includes completing an online nomination form and submitting support materials. Nominators may include up to five letters of support and 20 pages of supporting materials such as photos, programs, news clippings, and up to five links to audio or video samples. Each award category requires its own nomination form and customized materials if an individual or group is nominated in multiple categories.

The Kentucky Arts Council manages a panel review process and coordinates with the Governor’s Office for final selection and approval. Nominees are reviewed based on how they embody the value of the arts, their impact on artistic communities, and their alignment with the agency’s core values. Final selections will be honored at a public ceremony coordinated by the arts council.

Organizations, businesses, and individuals from within or outside Kentucky may submit nominations. Each nomination remains active for three award cycles. Program support from the Kentucky Arts Council includes consultation on eligibility, form completion, and support material preparation.

For additional information, nominators may contact Brett Ratliff, Arts Organization Director, at brett.ratliff@ky.gov or 502-782-1615. The awards ceremony provides a platform for recognizing excellence in the arts while advancing statewide arts advocacy and awareness.