Nominate a South Carolinian for the state’s highest arts award!

Recognize South Carolina innovators, supporters and advocates of the arts with a nomination for the state’s highest arts award — the Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Governor’s Award for the Arts! The nomination process is easier than ever – all it takes is a letter.  Just e-mail, mail or hand deliver a letter of nomination by Nov. 3. The standards are still high — the award recognizes outstanding achievement and contributions to the arts in South Carolina — but the nomination process is streamlined.

The nomination letter should describe the nominee’s exemplary contributions to the arts in South Carolina and address any characteristics included in the category descriptions (see below). It should include specific examples and relevant data wherever possible, and explain:

• What makes the nominee superior or extraordinary?
• How has the nominee demonstrated leadership in the arts?
• What exceptional achievements or contributions has the nominee made, and what has been their impact on the community, state or beyond?
• What other information about the nominee is important to know as they are considered for the state’s highest award in the arts?

Note: a nomination letter is different from a support letter. Letters of support are not required as part of the nomination process.

Nominations are accepted in these categories:

• ARTS IN EDUCATION – open to S.C. individuals and institutions whose primary function is arts education. May include arts educators (teachers, consultants, principals, administrators), schools, school districts, college/university arts departments, etc.
• ORGANIZATION – open to S.C. organizations that contribute to the advancement and/or support of the arts. May include arts discipline organizations, arts councils, arts advocacy groups, guilds, arts departments of organizations, educational institutions, etc.
• GOVERNMENT – open to S.C. agencies and institutions generally described as units of state, county or municipal governments that have served their communities in outstanding ways through the arts, OR elected or appointed officials who, in their official capacities, have demonstrated notable support for the arts through leadership and public policy.
• BUSINESS/FOUNDATION – open to SC individuals, or companies and foundations whose participation, support, and/or contributions have benefited the maintenance and growth of the arts.
• INDIVIDUAL – open to S.C. individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievement and statewide impact through their leadership, support, and advancement of the arts. May include arts professionals such as managers, administrators; or arts supporters such as patrons, promoters, donors, etc.
• INDIVIDUAL ARTIST – open to S.C. artists of exceptional talent and creativity, in any discipline, whose contribution to the arts has helped guide and influence directions, trends and aesthetic practices across the state or to national or international levels

Find complete nomination guidelines online.

Image: A hand-crafted bronze statue, designed by artist Jean McWhorter, is presented to each recipient.