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Governor's Arts Awards

Arts Commission Seeks Proposals to Host the 2009 Indiana Governor’s Arts Awards

On behalf of Governor Mitch Daniels, the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) is accepting proposals from Indiana cities interested in hosting the 2009 Governor’s Arts Awards.

The 2007 awards program was held in Bloomington and marked the first time the event was presented outside the city of Indianapolis. The concept of a traveling program proved widely popular even before the 2007 event was over.

“During the 2007 program we had representatives from other communities in attendance ask us how their communities could be considered to host future awards programs,” said Lewis C. Ricci, IAC executive director. “When we first proposed the concept of taking the awards program outside Indianapolis, Governor Daniels was not only supportive, but encouraged the idea of involving a variety of Indiana communities in the celebration of our artistic excellence. I think I speak on behalf of everyone involved with the awards when I say this is something the Commission very much wants to continue.”

The IAC is currently accepting letters of intent to submit proposals to host the 2009 Governor’s Arts Awards. Letters of intent should originate from the potential host venue/organization, or from an official office or designee of the city. The letter of intent will serve as a notification to the Indiana Arts Commission that a formal proposal and application will be submitted. Letters of Intent should be no more than two pages in length and must be received by the Indiana Arts Commission on or before May 30, 2008.

The letter of intent to submit should describe the concept for the event, highlighting how it will be unique and reflect the community or area. It should also describe how it will be appropriate as the public vehicle for the conferring of the State’s highest award in the arts. 

The 2009 Governor’s Arts Awards program is jointly sponsored by the Indiana Arts Commission and the Office of Governor Mitch Daniels. Site selection is subject to final approval by the IAC and Office of the Governor. The IAC retains all control of the program’s artistic and production content. Hosting the 2009 Governor’s Arts Awards will be a partnership effort between the IAC and the host community/organization.

Specific proposal criteria, guidelines for submission, and deadline for submission will be posted on the IAC website on or before May 15, 2008.

“I think this is a little bit like hosting the Olympics,” Ricci said. “It not only is an excellent opportunity for an Indiana community to be a part of this tradition, but also showcase its own arts and cultural resources to the rest of the state.”   

Originally conceived in 1973, the biennial awards program honors individuals, organizations, partnerships, businesses, and communities that have made significant contributions to the arts in and beyond the confines of Indiana. The awards recognize excellence in artistic achievement, philanthropy, arts education, and leadership in the arts, and at the same time build statewide awareness of the important role the arts play in Indiana.

In 2007, Governor Daniels presented awards to philanthropist Lori Efroymson-Aguilera, Indianapolis; artist and educator Menahem Pressler, Bloomington; jazz musician and educator Jamey Aebersold, New Albany; The City of Jasper, Fischoff National Chamber Music Association, Notre Dame; and Henry Leck and the Indianapolis Children’s Choir.   

Letter of Intent - Due by May 30, 2008

The IAC is currently accepting letters of intent to submit proposals to host the 2009 Governor’s Arts Awards. Letters of intent should originate from the potential host venue/organization, or from an official office or designee of the city. The letter of intent will serve as a notification to the Indiana Arts Commission that a formal proposal and application will be submitted. Letters of Intent should be no more than two pages in length and must be received by the Indiana Arts Commission on or before May 30, 2008.

The letter of intent to submit should describe the concept for the event, highlighting how it will be unique and reflect the community or area. It should also describe how it will be appropriate as the public vehicle for the conferring of the State’s highest award in the arts. 

Application and Guidelines

The following list highlights the basic criteria needed for formal proposals. Detailed guidelines and an application form will be available after the Commission's Quarterly Business Meeting on June 13, 2008. All interested parties must submit a Letter of Intent by May 30, 2008 to be eligible to apply.

  • Describe the concept for the event, highlighting how it will be unique and reflect your community or area
  • How will it be appropriate as the public vehicle for conferring the State’s highest award in the arts
  • Describe the proposed venue or venues including accessibility attributes
  • What would be the location incentives for attendees
  • What would be the location incentives for the IAC
  • Describe local sponsorship potential and strategies
  • How would you implement a localized media and public relations plan
  • What other community assets would be utilized (higher educational institutions, organizations, groups, etc.)
  • In what ways do you envision your community to grow or benefit from this event
  • Provide a detailed budget outline
  • How would you address catering needs
  • What would be your plan to recruit and assign necessary volunteers
  • Detail event ticket marketing and sales plan
  • Provide examples of other large, successful events that you have hosted

About the Governor's Arts Awards

The Governor's Arts Awards program was initiated in 1973. Conceived in partnership between the IAC and the Office of the Governor, the program recognizes and honors significant contributions to the arts producing profoundly positive impact on the arts and the state of Indiana. The awards are presented every two years.

Since its inception, the program has honored artists, individuals, educators, organizations, businesses, and communities for their efforts to further public awareness of the arts. Past recipients include both the famous and less famous of the arts world, major corporations and small businesses, large cities and small towns.

Award recipients are selected by an independent panel of distinguished representatives from Indiana's arts, education, business, public and private sectors. IAC conducts a public call for nominations and the panel reviews and scores nominations based on specific criteria. The criteria emphasizes the total body of work or contributions of the nominee and the impact of the nominee's work on the cultural climate of the city, region, the state of Indiana, or on the national and international level. A limited number of recipients are selected from the field of nominees to receive this distinguished honor.