The New Mexico Arts Commission and the New Mexico Arts Division have announced that nominations are open for the 2024 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts. The awards, which celebrate the significant role of arts in the economic and cultural lives of New Mexicans, will accept nominations until April 24, 2024.

"We are incredibly fortunate to live in a state where arts and culture are so deeply embedded in our everyday lives, so much so in fact, that we are at risk of taking them for granted," said Michelle Laflamme-Childs, New Mexico Arts Executive Director.

The Governor’s Arts Awards, now in their 50th year, aim to recognize the diversity of New Mexico’s cultural and artistic traditions, as well as innovative forms of artistic expression. They also honor the individuals and organizations who contribute to making the arts accessible in communities across the state.

Nominations for the awards are open to individual New Mexican artists, individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts in New Mexico, and businesses or nonprofits that support the arts. Nominations can be submitted online via a Google form on the New Mexico Arts website until the deadline.

Established in 1974, the Governor’s Arts Awards celebrate the role of artists, craftspeople, and arts supporters in the economic and cultural life of New Mexico. Over the years, a diverse group of artists from various disciplines have been honored, totaling more than 300 recipients since its inception.

The awards are a collaborative effort of New Mexico Arts, the New Mexico Arts Commission, the New Mexico Arts Foundation, and other partners. New Mexico Arts, as the state arts agency, administers programs like the One Percent for Public Art program, provides grants to nonprofit organizations for arts and cultural programs, and offers support and educational opportunities to artists and arts educators statewide.

If you know someone deserving of this prestigious honor, take a few minutes to nominate them before the April 24 deadline.