New Mexico State Capitol building.
Courtesy of the New Mexico Tourism Department. Photograph by Mark Nohl.
New Mexico Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts
The Governor's Arts Awards were established in 1974 by Governor Bruce King and First Lady Alice King to honor New Mexicans who have made a significant lifetime contribution to the arts and are identified with New Mexico. This prestigious annual award recognizes both individuals and organizations and acknowledges the considerable role, both economic and cultural, that artists, craftspeople and arts supporters play in the life of New Mexico. For more than three decades a prominent and diverse group of painters, weavers, sculptors, dancers, musicians, storytellers, poets, actors, playwrights, potters, and supporters of the arts have been honored.
Nominations for the awards are invited each year from interested New Mexicans and arts groups statewide. Nominations are reviewed by the New Mexico Arts Commission and the Governor.