First Annual Governor's Awards For The Arts And Humanities Planned For Fall 2012

ATLANTA, July 12, 2012 - The best of Georgia's creative and cultural industries will be recognized at an event that will reward outstanding service and ongoing excellence. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2012 Governor's Awards for the Arts and Humanities. Georgia Council for the Arts and the Georgia Humanities Council are partnering with the Office of the Governor and the Georgia Department of Economic Development's Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Division to coordinate and host what will become an annual event. The awards will recognize the value of the humanities and creative industries to Georgia's citizens and communities while highlighting the significant economic impact these industries provide. Georgia is home to more than 12,000 businesses and 200,000 workers in the creative industries that provide multiple benefits statewide for Georgia residents and millions of visitors each year.  "Artistic and cultural enterprise facilitates Georgia's competitiveness in a global market, attracting innovative businesses, entertainment productions and sought-after talent," said Governor Nathan Deal.  "Millions of tourists come to Georgia to experience museums, festivals and even locations where movies were filmed. These creative assets generate economic, cultural and educational benefits while contributing to the development of a distinctive state identity." About the Nominations Nominations may be made by any resident of Georgia for individuals who have made significant and substantial long-lasting contributions to the state's cultural heritage through pioneering work in the arts or humanities. Organizations that have demonstrated historical and ongoing support for the arts or humanities may also be nominated. Examples of eligible individual nominees include, but are not limited to artists, advocates, philanthropist, or educators. Organizations that use the arts or humanities to address an acute community need, provide innovative programs and have offered long-term financial commitment to supporting the arts or humanities are all examples of what kind of activities can be considered for organizational nominations. Submission packets are available via the Georgia Council for the Arts website. The deadline for the receipt of nominations is August 10, 2012. Awardees will be selected by a panel of distinguished judges including community members and representatives of the sponsoring organizations. The panel will evaluate the total body of work or contributions of the nominee and the impact of the nominee's work on the creative and cultural climate and vitality of Georgia. Recipients of the awards will be notified in early September and will be honored at an awards ceremony at the State Capitol on October 16, 2012. About the Sponsors The Georgia Humanities Council is a statewide nonprofit organization working to ensure that humanities and culture remain an integral part of the lives of all Georgians. The Council serves the state of Georgia through its grant program and projects, and increases awareness about the history, stories, and ideas that informs others' lives, in order to make better decisions for the future. The Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office is a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the state agency responsible for planning, managing and mobilizing state resources to attract new business investment to Georgia, drive the expansion of existing industry and small business, locate new markets for Georgia products, inspire tourists to visit Georgia, and promote the state as a top destination for arts events and film, music and digital entertainment projects. Georgia Council for the Arts is a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development that provides support for nonprofit arts organizations throughout the state.  Established in 1965 as the Georgia Commission on the Arts, its mission is to encourage excellence in the arts, support the arts many forms of expressions and make the arts available to all Georgians by providing funding, 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.