the Governor's Arts Award Winners

George R.R. Martin

Santa Fe

2014 Recipient, Major Contributor to the Arts

George R.R. Martin has been named a major contributor to the arts. George R. R. Martin is an American novelist and short story writer in the fantasy, horror, and science fiction genres, as well as an accomplished screenwriter and television producer. He is best known for A Song of Ice and Fire, his international bestselling series of epic fantasy novels that HBO adapted for its acclaimed and wildly popular dramatic series Game of Thrones. A Santa Fe resident since 1979, Martin serves as the series coexecutive producer, while also scripting one of each season's 10 episodes. In 2011, Time magazine selected Martin as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. He began his writing career in 1970 and has authored more than 30 novels, short stories and collections. In 2013, Martin re-opened the Jean Cocteau Cinema, a cinematic landmark in downtown Santa Fe and has since hosted numerous events featuring important authors, filmmakers and artists, including Pat Conroy, author of The Great Santini and The Prince of Tides, Jonah Nolan, who wrote the screenplay Dark Knight Trilogy, and Peter S. Beagle, writer of The Last Unicorn. The Jean Cocteau also hosts free community events like the Game of Thrones marathon and has become an important venue for local musicians and artists. Nominator Jacques Paisner, executive director and co-founder of the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival said Martin's dedication and commitment to the Arts in New Mexico is unmatched. "He has shaped the landscape of film exhibition in Santa Fe, bringing first-class events, including many free-to-the-public screenings," Paisner said. "George R. R. Martin has made a great contribution to American literature and New Mexico is lucky to have such a great author as a local treasure." "George Martin loves New Mexico. And he proves it by giving back of his time - and money. His willingness to devote himself to further enhancing Santa Fe's diverse cultural scene despite his many professional obligations is rare among artists of his statute - and a model for others to follow," said Kirk Ellis, chairman of the Santa Fe Arts Commission and writer/co-executive producer of John Adams.