Deal awards individuals for achievements in the arts and humanities

ATLANTA, October 16, 2012 - Gov. Nathan Deal today at the state Capitol announced the recipients of the first annual Governor's Awards for the Arts and Humanities, recognizing deserving individuals and organizations for significant contributions to Georgia's cultural vitality. Georgia Council for the Arts, the Georgia Humanities Council and the Georgia Film and Music & Digital Entertainment Office joined in presenting the awards.

'Georgia's artistic and cultural enterprise facilitates our competitiveness in the global market and attracts new commerce,' said Deal. 'These individuals and organizations are building a distinct state identity while also helping make Georgia the No. 1 place to do business nationwide.' About the Award Recipients Twelve members of Georgia's arts and humanities communities were chosen from an impressive selection of almost 100 nominations from around the state. These recipients represent a diverse and prestigious group of accomplished individuals and organizations that have laid the groundwork for Georgia's growing creative industry through innovative programs, community collaboration and long-term financial commitment. The recipients of the 2012 Governor's Award for the Arts and Humanities are: Arthur Berry, Educator, Albany Annette Cone-Skelton, MOCA GA Founder, Atlanta Colonel Bruce Hampton, Musician, Atlanta Akbar Imhotep, Storyteller, Atlanta Thomas Lux, Poet & Educator, Atlanta Philip Moulthrop, Visual Artist, Marietta Paul Pierce, Columbus Amy Lotson Roberts, St. Simons Island Melvin Steely, Carrollton Kay and Dean Swanson, Philanthropists, Cornelia Savannah Music Festival Thomaston-Upson Archives

More detailed information about each recipient will be available on the Georgia Council for the Arts website.

About the Award Each of the twelve Governor's Awards were uniquely hand-crafted from native Georgia hardwoods and designed by Matt Moulthrop, grandson of Ed Moulthrop who is known as the 'father of modern woodturning.' Woodturning has been a Moulthrop family legacy for three generations. Matt's work is on exhibit at some of the country's most prestigous museums including the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Carter Center, the Smithsonian, New York's Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. About the Award Partners Established in 1965, the Georgia Council for the Arts is the division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development that provides support for statewide nonprofit arts organizations. The council serves the arts through encouraging excellence, promoting a variety of expression and providing necessary funds for leadership, programming and other services. Funding for Georgia Council for the Arts is provided by appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly, the National Endowment for the Arts and other private and public sources. The Georgia Humanities Council, established in 1972, is an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Through its grant programs and special initiatives, it seeks to promote and preserve the past, present and future cultural legacies of the state's people to enrich their lives and strengthen their communities. Funding for the Georgia Humanities Council is provided by the state of Georgia, the National Endowment for the Humanities, foundations, donors and our partners. The Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office is a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development that delivers economic development throughout the state by attracting and assisting new entertainment projects and relocations. The division also supports the growth of business and infrastructure by marketing the state to prospective customers, encouraging competitive incentives and promoting Georgia as both an entertainment industry destination and permanent business location.