Governor Granholm Encourages Nominations for Arts & Culture Awards

July 3, 2003

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today encouraged Michigan citizens to nominate artists, educators, civic leaders, organizations, and others from around the state for ArtServe Michigan's 2003 Governor's Award for Arts & Culture (GAAC). 

"This prestigious award celebrates those among us who make our communities stronger by adding to our state's art and cultural life," said Granholm.  "This is an opportunity to share the contributions of your favorite artist, teacher or organization with the entire state."

Granholm encouraged Michigan citizens to nominate a deserving individual or organization for the award to ensure a robust and talented pool of nominees from around the state from which to select the recipients of the honor.

The statewide awards program and gala event is presented by ArtServe Michigan and includes awards in the following categories:

• International Achievement Award:  Given to a Michiganian who has achieved international prominence in the arts.
• Michigan Artist Award:  Given to a working Michigan artist who has consistently made an impact on his or her artistic discipline.
• Emerging Artist Award:  Given to a Michigan artist of exceptional talent and potential.
• Civic Leader Award:  Given to a Michigan civic leader or volunteer who has demonstrated significant accomplishment in advancing and supporting arts and culture in his or her community or statewide.
• Arts in Education Award:  Given to an individual educator or an institution who has provided extraordinary leadership, student and/or educator support, and creativity in advancing arts and cultural education in Michigan schools at the elementary, secondary, or higher education levels.
• Cultural Organization Award:  Given to up to three Michigan arts and cultural organizations for outstanding contributions regionally and statewide.
• Business Honor Roll Award:  Given to a Michigan business, corporation, or business-related organization that has given extraordinary support to artists or cultural organizations regionally or statewide.

Nominations must be received by ArtServe Michigan no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 9.  The nomination forms and guidelines are available at www.Artservemichigan.org/GAAC/2003/.  Nomination forms and further information on the event, including tickets, are also available by calling 248-557-8288, Ext. 17.

A diverse statewide committee will convene in July 2003 to select the winners, with a public announcement following thereafter.  The GAAC awards ceremony and gala takes place at Orchestra Hall and the new Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit, November 10, 2003, at 6 p.m. 

ArtServe Michigan is an independent statewide not-for-profit organization that builds support for the arts, artists and cultural activities throughout Michigan through advocacy, education and services.