State Arts Awards

The biennial State Arts Awards (previously known as the Governor’s Arts Awards) is Nebraska’s premier event in recognizing individuals and organizations that shape our state’s artistic landscape.

The impact of the arts, and those which the awards honor, can be felt in the classroom, the economy, and our community. Read up on the rich history of our state’s talented creators by learning more about previous awards recipients from 1978 onward.

Looking for more information? Learn more about upcoming grant opportunities or contact us.

Award Categories

Access to the Arts:

Awarded to an individual, business, or community organization leading the cause of outreach and inclusion in the arts.

Outstanding Artist:

An individual artist practicing in any discipline whose work or career has made a significant contribution to their art form and to the state of Nebraska.

Leadership in the Arts:

An individual arts administrator, patron, or artist who, through their leadership, has made a significant impact on the arts in Nebraska.

Excellence in Arts Education:

Awarded to an educator, arts education program, or community organization that has made a long-term, outstanding contribution to arts education in Nebraska.

Heritage Award:

Awarded to an individual, group or organization that exemplifies excellence within a cultural tradition.

Organizational Achievement Award:

An arts organization whose achievements demonstrate a consistently high level of excellence in programming and outreach.

Thomas C. Woods III Partner in the Arts Award:

An individual, business, school district, or community organization that has shown outstanding commitment by its continued support of the arts through time, energy, expertise, and/or financial support.

How to nominate for 2023 SAA

Nebraska State Arts Awards 2023 Nominations

"*" indicates required fields

Name of person submitting this nomination:*
Which award are you nominating this person for?*
Address of person submitting this nomination:*
Email of person nominating:*
Address of Nominee:
Max. file size: 300 MB.
You may upload more than one file here:
Drop files here or
Max. file size: 300 MB.
    You may upload more than one file here:
    Drop files here or
    Max. file size: 300 MB.