Kansas Governor’s Arts Awards Nominations Open for 2025

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.

Last awarded in 2011, the accolades celebrate individuals, organizations and communities for their outstanding contributions and leadership in advancing the arts in Kansas.

“The Kelly-Toland Administration has been committed to developing and prioritizing the arts and creative businesses across our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “I am excited to reinvigorate these awards that will highlight Kansas leaders in the arts whose collective creativity is driving a significant portion of the state 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:

• Arts Advocate of the Year
• Arts Community of the Year
• Arts Leader of the Year
• Arts Organization of the Year
• Arts Patron of the Year
• Emerging Arts Leader 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 Legacy 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 acknowledge our vibrant arts and culture community for their contributions to a thriving Kansas.”