December 26, 2014

 News…

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Culture and History and the West Virginia Commission on the Arts are seeking nominations for the 2014 Governor’s Arts Awards, which honor exceptional artists and arts organizations that have made significant contributions to the state’s culture.

All West Virginians are encouraged to nominate individual artists, organizations and communities in five categories:

·     Arts in Education Award, which recognizes efforts to strengthen arts education in public schools.
·     Distinguished Service Award to the Arts, which recognizes individuals and organizations of exceptional talent and creativity that have fostered growth and influenced trends and aesthetic practices on a state and national level.
·     Leadership in the Arts Award, which recognizes individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and access to the arts throughout the state.
·     Artist of the Year Award, which recognizes an individual artist who has impacted the exposure to the arts in West Virginia through his or her work.
·     Governor’s Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement, which recognizes an individual or organization for significant achievement in the arts.

A panel of commission members and representatives from across the state will select winners based on the magnitude of their contributions and achievements, the range of individuals or groups served, the length of time and intensity of their dedication to the arts and their level of excellence.

Nomination forms are available online at www.wvculture.org/arts/artsindex.aspx or by calling Robin Hodge at (304) 558-0240, ext. 155.

Nominations must be postmarked by Feb. 21, 2014, or hand delivered to Hodge at The Culture Center, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. East in Charleston by 5 p.m. on Feb. 21.

For more information, contact Renée Margocee, arts director, at (304) 558-0240, ext. 145 or by email at Renee.Margocee@wv.gov.

A ceremony and gala to present the awards will be held in the spring at the Culture Center, State Capitol Complex in Charleston.

The West Virginia Division of Culture and History is an agency within the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts with Kay Goodwin, Cabinet Secretary. The division, led by Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith, brings together the past, present and future through programs and services focusing on archives and history, arts, historic preservation and museums. For more information about the division’s programs, events and sites, visit www.wvculture.org. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

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