Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Governor's Awards for the Arts in Ohio? 
The Governor's Awards for the Arts in Ohio showcases and celebrates Ohio artists, arts organizations, arts patrons and business support of the arts. Winners are selected in six categories -- Arts Administration, Arts Education, Arts Patron, Business Support of the Arts, Community Development and Participation and Individual Artist.  top


When and where will the 2013 Governor's Awards for the Arts in Ohio and Arts Day Luncheon be held? 
The 2013 Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Arts Day Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at noon at the Columbus Athenaeum in downtown Columbus.  top


What do Governor's Award winners receive? 
Governor's Award winners are presented with an original work of art by an Ohio artist. Past artists include: photographer Francis Schanberger, photographer Larry Kasperek, painters Jean Koeller and Betsy DeFusco, mixed-media artist Brian Joiner, fiber artist Sue Cavanaugh, printmaker Nicolas Hill, ceramicist Angelica Pozo, photographer Jon Warner and printmaker Kim Vito.  top


Who chooses Governor's Awards for the Arts recipients? 
Award recipients are selected by a committee made up of Ohio Arts Council board members and three individuals selected by Ohio Citizens for the Arts, including one former Governor's Award winner.  top


Will the Selection Committee review every nomination? 
Yes, the selection committee will receive copies of all nominations and support letters. Each nominee will receive careful consideration.  top


When will winners be announced? 
Award winner selections are announced in early December. top


Who should submit the nomination? 
Anyone can submit a nomination. It should come from someone who has firsthand knowledge of the nominee's contributions to the arts, including colleagues, board members, employers, students and community leaders.  top


Are you permitted to submit a nomination for someone who has received a nomination in the past?  
Yes, many of our past Governor's Award winners were nominated more than once. We encourage repeat nominations, especially if the nominee has not received a Governor's Award in the past.  top


How do I find out if someone I'm interested in nominating has already won a Governor's Award? 
The list of past award winners is available in our past winners database.  top


How many nominations can each nominee receive?
We allow only one nomination per nominee. Nominations must be submitted online. If you have technical difficulties while trying to submit your nomination, contact the Ohio Arts Council at 614/466-2613.  top


What is the importance of letters of support and who should write them? 
We allow up to five letters of support for each nomination. The nomination form is expected to be a clear representation of the nominee's strengths and contributions to the arts in Ohio. The support letters give important testimonies and additional information needed in order to make the difficult decision of choosing one winner in each category. Only one nomination form with up to five letters of support can be submitted. Support letters should be written by colleagues, board members, community leaders, professors, students, etc and submitted online. top


Why aren't you accepting support materials? 
In order to simplify the nomination process for both our constituents and our staff, we have eliminated the support material requirement. We encourage you to submit a thorough narrative and five strong support letters. Selection committee members will be able to gauge the impact the nominee has had regionally, statewide or nationally based on this information.  top


What is the Irma Lazarus Award and why isn't it listed on the nomination form?
Since 1994, the Irma Lazarus Award, presented at the discretion of the Ohio Arts Council board, honors the memory of Irma Lazarus, who made countless contributions as an arts patron, advocate and leader in the development of state funding for the arts in Ohio. It is presented to organizations or individuals who have helped shape public support for the arts through their work as advocates and have brought statewide, national and international recognition to Ohio through sustained dedication to artistic excellence. Nominations are not accepted for this award.  top


Why is there not a Governor's Award that specifically addresses the contributions made by Ohioans of diverse backgrounds?
Cultural diversity is infused within each Ohio Arts Council program, and is considered within each award category to keep a broad spectrum of the awards available to everyone. This philosophy is consistent with the agency's mission and guidelines.  top


Why do the Ohio Arts Council and Ohio Citizens for the Arts Foundation present the Governor's Awards for the Arts in Ohio and Arts Day Luncheon? 
The primary mission of the Governor's Awards for the Arts in Ohio and Arts Day Luncheon is to increase public awareness of the economic, educational and cultural value of the arts in our state. More than 800 artists, legislators, business leaders, arts managers, board members and patrons from every corner of the state attend the luncheon ceremony. During Arts Day, arts advocates and students visit their state legislators to express the importance of the arts in their daily lives. It serves as an opportunity to thank the legislature for its investment in the arts and to express how that investment translates into artistic excellence in Ohio.  top


Who is invited to the Governor's Awards for the Arts in Ohio and Arts Day Luncheon? 
Invitations are sent in February to more than 10,000 artists, legislators, business leaders, arts managers, board members and patrons from every corner of the state. The general public is also invited. The invitation will be posted on the Ohio Arts Council's website when it becomes available. Online registration on the Ohio Arts Council website is required for the luncheon ceremony. For more information, please contact the Ohio Citizens for the Arts Foundation at 614/221-4064. It is our hope that you will encourage everyone to show their support for the arts by attending this event.  top


How much are tickets to the luncheon and how do I register? 
Reservations for single tickets to the Governor's Awards for the Arts in Ohio and Arts Day Luncheon will be accepted only online. Tickets are $50 and include lunch and a dessert reception. All proceeds go to the Ohio Citizens for the Arts Foundation. Payment can be made online or checks may be sent to the Ohio Citizens for the Arts Foundation. Deadline for registration is one month before the event date. For more information, please contact the Ohio Citizens for the Arts Foundation at 614/221-4064.  top


What if I am interested in being a table sponsor? 
Thank you for your interest in being a table sponsor! Table sponsorships include 10 tickets to the luncheon and recognition on print materials. The cost is $1,000, with a portion being tax deductible. For more information on this exciting opportunity, contact the Ohio Citizens for the Arts Foundation at 614/221-4064 or send an e-mail to Donna Collins.  top