Georgia Council for the Arts

Last call! Nominations for the 2026 Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities close JUNE 26.

Help us recognize the artists, educators, historians, preservationists, and community leaders shaping Georgia’s cultural life. Honorees are celebrated at the State Capitol and recognized statewide for their impact.

From emerging changemakers to lifelong advocates, we want to hear your nominations.

Submit before June 26: https://www.cognitoforms.com/GDECD1/_2026GovernorsAwardsForTheArtsHumanities

Pictured: The 2025 Governor’s Awards honorees and Etienné Jackson, far right, creator of the 2025 wood sculpture awards. Photo credit: jm photographics

Congratulations to Johns Creek High School graduate Rett Bush on being named one of eight national winners of the 2025-2026 Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge for High School Students.

Selected from 109 submissions representing 28 states, Rett's achievement highlights the talent and creativity of Georgia's next generation of artists.

Join us in celebrating this outstanding accomplishment and tune in today at 7:30 p.m. at: //arts.gov/songwriting and //namt.org/challenge.

Now open at Bowen Center for the Arts!

Don’t miss your chance to view a curated selection of unique paintings, photography, sculpture, and textiles from the State Art Collection.

Starting June 26, the juried “ROUND UP," a western-themed showcase of local and regional artists, will open alongside the works from the State Art Collection.

Learn more at: www.georgia.org/ArtsReimagine

Do you know an artist, performer, writer, designer, donor, board member, educator, or community leader making an impact through the arts in Georgia? We want to celebrate them!

Nominations for the Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities are open through June 26. Help us recognize the individuals strengthening Georgia’s creative and cultural communities – nominate here: https://georgia.org/ArtsGovAwards

Pictured: 2025 Governor’s Awards honoree Union County Historical Society. Photo credit: jm photographics

ATTENTION ARTISTS! Submit your RFP to design awards by June 26.

The Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities recognize outstanding individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the cultural life of Georgia.

We are looking for a Georgia-based artist to create an award that reflects the significance of these achievements. Previous awards have included ceramics, metal, wood, glass, photography, woven materials, and mixed media.

All awards must deliver to Georgia Council of the Arts in September.

Have a unique idea? RFP details are available: https://georgia.org/ArtsGovAwards



Pictured: 2022 award created by James Downey.

Nominations are being accepted for the 2026 Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities!

We’re looking for individuals and organizations making an impact across Georgia, from rising leaders and new initiatives to longtime champions and lifetime achievements.

Learn more and submit a nomination: http://georgia.org/ArtsGovernorAwards

Pictured: 2022 Governor's Awards honoree Lyrika Holmes. Photo credit: jm photographics

A new initiative in Perry is helping expand creative opportunities in rural Georgia, giving local arts organizations the tools and support they need to grow, connect, and serve their communities.

This spring, Georgia Tech launched Georgia Arts Innovation Network (GAIN), funded through the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and supported by the Georgia Council for the Arts. The pilot is underway in Perry, with the goal of refining a model that could be replicated in other parts of the state.

When communities invest in the arts, they invest in quality of life, local businesses, and long-term growth. Programs like this help ensure every corner of Georgia has the opportunity to thrive through creativity.

Read more about how this effort is expanding arts access in rural Georgia: https://www.gacities.com/articles/investing-in-creativity-perry-partners-with-georgia-tech-to-strengthen-local

Photo: Perry Main Street. Credit: City of Perry.

Attention Georgia-based artists!

We’re looking for one artist to create 10 unique awards to be presented to the recipients of the Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities this fall. The awards recognize outstanding individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to cultural life in Georgia.

Previous awards have included ceramics, metal, wood, glass, photography, woven materials, and mixed media. All awards must be delivered in September.

Deadline for entry is June 26.

RFP details are available here: https://bit.ly/4dNoXJY

Pictured: 2025 award created by Etienné Jackson

DUE JUNE 26: Nominations for the 2026 Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities are now open!

Presented by the Office of the Governor in partnership with Georgia Council for the Arts and Georgia Humanities, the awards recognize individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact across Georgia through community development, innovative programs, historical preservation, and long-term investment in the arts and humanities.

Know someone doing important work in your community? Submit a nomination today at: https://www.cognitoforms.com/GDECD1/_2026GovernorsAwardsForTheArtsHumanities

We are excited to announce the five organizations selected to be a part of Georgia Council for the Arts' Red Clay Creative Cohort, which provides grants for public art and creative placemaking projects. We received more than 70 applications, and are excited to share that the following organizations will be joining us in Macon next month for a training session with Springboard for the Arts, a national leader in artist-centered community development:

- City of Cornelia
- City of Warrenton
- City of West Point
- Colquitt Miller Arts Council
- Fitzgerald – Fitz-Ben Hill Arts Council

We look forward to seeing their creative placemaking projects take shape and create lasting impact in their communities.

Pictured: City of Cornelia