NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Moore County and the surrounding areas boast watercolor artists, muralists, art teachers, galleries, writers, journalists, and art organizations that elevate living in Tennessee to a creative experience. If you know one, the the Tennessee Arts Commission wants to know about them. They recently opened nominations for the 2027 Governor’s Arts Awards. It’s the state’s highest honor in the arts. Nominations are due August 31.
Established in 1971, the awards recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to Tennessee’s cultural life. Recipients are chosen by a committee of Tennessee Arts Commission board members along with representatives from the Governor’s and First Lady’s offices. The 2027 honorees will be notified in the spring or summer of next year.
“The Governor’s Arts Awards celebrate Tennessee’s vibrant arts scene by honoring individuals whose creativity and talent have made a significant impact,” said Anne B. Pope, executive director of the Commission. “These award winners represent the pinnacle of artistic achievement in our state, and their influence has made a significant impact both within our state and beyond.”
Moore County has a deep arts and cultural heritage that extends well beyond its identity as the home of Jack Daniel’s. If you know someone — a folk artist, a community arts leader, a musician, a craftsperson, an educator — whose work has shaped the cultural life of this region, this is the nomination worth making.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Folklife Heritage Award
Presented to folk artists or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to Tennessee’s traditional arts. The award honors significant achievements within art forms rooted in the traditional or ethnic cultures of the state.
Arts Leadership Award
Presented to individuals or organizations that have demonstrated significant contributions advancing the value of the arts in Tennessee. Past recipients have included educators, arts organizations, businesses, patrons, arts administrators, corporations, and volunteers.
Distinguished Artist Award
Presented to Tennessee artists of exceptional talent and creativity in any discipline whose work has significant and lasting impact at a state or national level.
HOW TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION
Each nomination must include responses to four required narrative questions outlining the nominee’s contributions to the arts and why they merit consideration. Nominations must also include three current letters of support from colleagues, board members, community leaders, educators, or others familiar with the nominee’s work.
The online nomination form is available at tnartscommission.org/governors-arts-awards/award-nomination-online-form. A list of previous recipients and additional information about the awards can be found at tnartscommission.org/governors-arts-awards.
Questions may be directed to Christa Abernathy at christa.abernathy@tn.gov.•
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