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The Oklahoma Arts Council announced today that nominations for the 2008 Governor's Arts Awards will be accepted through July 18. Oklahomans are encouraged to nominate citizens and organizations that have contributed to the arts in their communities or throughout the state.

In addition to making significant contributions to arts in Oklahoma, nominees must be current residents of the State of Oklahoma and living in Oklahoma full time. Organizations and businesses must exhibit outstanding support of the arts in Oklahoma. Previous recipients of the Governor's Award are not eligible.

Awards are presented in the following categories:

The Governor's Award
Recognizes individuals for longtime leadership and significant contributions to the arts across Oklahoma.

The Earl Sneed Business Award
Recognizes businesses/corporations who exhibit outstanding support of the arts in Oklahoma.

The Bill Crawford Media Award
Recognizes an individual member in the print and/or electronic media who demonstrates commitment to the arts in Oklahoma documented through public awareness support and fairness, initiative, creativity and professionalism in reporting.

The Arts and Education Award
Recognizes an individual organization, school educator or group for their outstanding leadership and service in the arts benefiting youth and/or arts in education.

The Community Service Award
Recognizes individuals for significant contributions to the arts in specific Oklahoma communities in the areas of leadership and volunteerism.

The George Nigh Mayor's Award
Recognizes an Oklahoma mayor for outstanding support of the arts in the local community.

The 33rd Annual Governor's Arts Awards is an opportunity to celebrate Oklahoma arts and the people that facilitate its success. Recipients will be selected by members of the Governor's Arts Award (GAA) Selection Committee from the applications submitted by the July 18, 2008 deadline

Members of the selection committee include the 2006 and 2007 recipients of the Governor's Award. The Executive Director of the Oklahoma Arts Council serves as ex-officio. The committee reserves the right to consider nominations in categories other than the category designated by the nominator.