Nomination and Selection Process

The Process

Nominations for the Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts are invited from interested individuals and arts groups statewide. The nomination process begins in January with a deadline in early spring. Nominations are reviewed by the New Mexico Arts Commission and the Governor.

A nomination may be made for working individual artists in any discipline who have made a considerable lifetime achievement to the arts. Nominations can also be made for individuals and organizations whose support and involvement have made a significant contribution to the arts in New Mexico and are particularly deserving of recognition.

Nominations are closed. Nomination form available January 2024.

For additional information, contact New Mexico Arts at (505) 827-6490

Nomination information for Artists or Individuals

Only living artists may be nominated. Artists from any discipline who have made significant and outstanding achievements in the arts will be considered for this lifetime achievement award. Individuals who are non-artists, but have made significant or distinguished contributions to the arts in New Mexico may also be nominated. These individuals can be arts patrons, arts advocates, and arts educators.

Nominations for Major Contributor to the Arts/Artist or Individual must include the following:

  • Nominator should send a cover letter and nomination form filled out in its entirety.
  • A one-page, typed summary that includes:
    1. The contribution the nominee has made to the development of the arts in New Mexico
    2. The number of years the nominee has been a resident of New Mexico
    3. The number of years the nominee has worked in his or her discipline
    4. Why the individual merits the award.
  • Nominee's complete biography or résumé.
  • Three original letters of support.
  • Up to three samples of support materials.

For visual artists, send digital images. For performing artists, send audio CD and/or DVD. For literary artists, visual artists (if applicable), or major contributors, send support samples, including written materials, if appropriate. Support materials must be on an 8-½ x 11-inch (standard letter-size) format. Call New Mexico Arts at (505) 827-6490 for an exception.

Nomination information for Business, NonProfit or Foundation

The information must include the business's sustained support for and involvement with the arts in New Mexico, why its activities are particularly deserving of recognition, and its financial commitment to the arts. Other possible activities, such as devising special, innovative programs in support of the arts or employee volunteer programs for community arts projects will be considered (supporting documentation is requested). Nominations for Major Contributor to the Arts /Business, Nonprofit or Foundation must include the following:

  • Nominator should send a cover letter and nomination form filled out in its entirety.
  • A one-page, typed narrative providing a brief history and description of:
    1. The business and its sustained involvement in the arts; how long it has actively supported the arts.
    2. Why it's deserving of recognition.
    3. The unique contribution the business has made to the arts in New Mexico.
  • If the nomination is for a specific arts program, please describe how long this program has been supported, how many persons are affected, and the types of audiences impacted by this program.
  • List any financial commitments or contributions to the arts the nominee has made in the past or current year (i.e. monetary, inkind or volunteer donations).
  • Three original letters of support.
  • Up to three support samples of contributions or involvement of the business in the arts.

Support materials must be on an 8-½ x 11-inch (standard letter-size) format.