By james art TOPEKA – The Department of Commerce announced today that the Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) is accepting nominations for the 2025 Kansas Governor’s Arts Awards. Nominations for these prestigious honors will be accepted through Friday, December 13.
Most recently awarded in 2011, the honors celebrate individuals, organizations and communities for their outstanding contributions and leadership in the development of the arts in Kansas.
“The Kelly-Toland administration is committed to developing and prioritizing the arts and creative businesses in our state,” Lt. Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “I am excited to revive these awards, which will highlight Kansas’ leaders in the arts, whose collective creativity drives a significant portion of the state’s economy.”
An awards ceremony will be held in Topeka on February 20, 2025 to recognize excellence in the following areas: advocacy, arts education, community engagement and artistic achievement. Categories include:
- Artist Lawyer of the Year
- Art Community of the Year
- Art Leader of the Year
- Art organization of the year
- Patron of the year
- Emerging Leader in the Arts of the Year
- Emerging Arts Organization of the Year
- Excellence in Arts Education
- Excellence in the Arts in Business
- Excellence in Public Service in the Arts
- Kansas Arts Heritage Award
- Excellence in artistic achievement
“The arts inspire us, bring us joy and stimulate the state’s economy,” Kansas Arts Commission Director Curtis Young said. “The Governor’s Arts Awards recognize our vibrant arts and culture community for their contributions to a thriving Kansas.”
For more information on the nomination process or to submit a nomination, please visit here.
To learn more about the Kansas Arts Commission, visit here or contact Ben Stanton by email or phone (785) 213-5959.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to enable people, businesses and communities to prosper in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site consultants and stakeholders across Kansas, the nation and the world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive environment for new businesses. Through the successes of the Commerce project, Kansas was rewarded Area Development Magazine prestigious Golden Shovel Award. in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Journal.