Governor's Arts Awards
The Governor’s Arts Awards are a longstanding tradition recognizing Iowans who have made an outstanding contribution to the vitality of the arts in Iowa.
Please join the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and Iowa Arts Council for a celebration of the 2023 award recipients and the continued impact of the arts and culture across our state, as we kick off Iowa History Month and Arts & Music in Our Schools Month.
2023 Governor’s Arts Awards Reception
Wednesday, March 1, 2023 | 4 - 6 p.m.
State Historical Building
Des Moines
Registration opens January 1, 2023.
2023 Award Categories
Arts Service Award
Highlight an arts service organization that has made a significant impact on the vitality of the arts in their community/region over the award period (July 1, 2020, to November 1, 2022).
Arts Learning Award
Highlight an individual or organization that has increased access to arts learning experiences or enhanced arts learning outcomes for K-12 students in a significant or unique way over the award period (July 1, 2020, to November 1, 2022).
Emerging Arts Leader Award
Showcase an emerging arts leader who has made meaningful contributions to advance the arts in Iowa within the first ten years of their professional arts career.
Arts Legacy Award
Recognizes an individual, nonprofit organization or community that has had a particularly significant impact on the arts in Iowa over time. Note: posthumous nominations are eligible.
Arts Champion Award
Highlight an individual, team or organization that has taken an active role in building a sustainable and thriving ecosystem for the arts in Iowa over the award period (July 1, 2020, to November 1, 2022).
Nominations are reviewed by a panel of Iowa arts and culture professionals, who recommend awards. The Iowa Arts Council will present the awards in spring 2023.
How to Nominate
The nomination form for the 2023 Governor's Arts Awards has now closed.
Past Award Recipients
Click to view previous recipients of the Governor’s Arts Awards.