FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 4, 2023) — Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced the nine recipients of the commonwealth’s most prestigious arts awards in recognition of their dedication to sharing Kentucky’s rich arts history with all Kentuckians.
“It gives me great pride to honor these talented artists who show such dedication to sharing the arts with Kentuckians across our commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “This year’s honorees have made integral contributions to Kentucky’s thriving arts industry. I want to thank all of these artists for bringing the stories of Kentuckians to life, and ensuring those stories live on for generations to come.”
The Governor’s Awards in the Arts celebrate, in nine distinct categories, the extraordinary and significant contributions of Kentuckians and Kentucky organizations to the state’s arts heritage.
The honorees will be recognized in a ceremony on Friday, Oct. 13, at the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center in Lexington.
The Kentucky Arts Council solicits nominations and coordinates award presentations on behalf of the Governor of Kentucky. The 2023 Governor’s Awards in the Arts recipients are:
- Milner Award – Todd Lowe, Shelby County
- Artist Award – Dan Neil Barnes, Scott County
- Business Award – Gnomon Press, Franklin County
- Community Arts Award – Yeiser Art Center, McCracken County
- Education Award – Tom Stites, Daviess County
- Folk Heritage Award – Tee Dee Young, Fayette County
- Government Award – Michael Buchanon, Warren County
- Media Award – Walter Tunis, Fayette County
- National Award – Ada Limón, Fayette County
“Kentucky boasts an incredible artistic heritage, as evidenced by the talented honorees for the 2023 Governor’s Awards in the Arts,” said Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier. “From the mountains to the coal fields, from cities to small towns, Kentucky fosters artists in a range of disciplines. Not only does Kentucky limestone cultivate the best thoroughbreds and bourbon in the world, it appears to nurture creative professionals as well. We look forward to honoring these individuals at the official ceremony.”
Each year, the arts council commissions a Kentucky artist to create custom works of art to serve as the award for recipients. The artist creates 10 awards – nine for the recipients and one for the Kentucky Arts Council’s permanent collection. Jefferson County paper mosaic artist Sebastian Duverge created the 2023 Governor’s Awards in the Arts.
The Kentucky Arts Council Governor’s Awards in the Arts nominations committee recommends honorees to the Governor and accepts awards nominations annually. Nominations for the 2024 Governor’s Awards in the Arts will be accepted Jan. 17 - March 3.