Nevada Arts Council discusses reinstating Governor's Arts Awards for local recognition

The Las Vegas Arts Commission recently discussed the potential revival of the Governor's Arts Award program, which was last held in 2012. This program, originally inaugurated in 1979 as the DECADE Awards, recognized significant contributions to the arts in Nevada by artists, educators, and community members. The conversation was sparked by a report from Cultural Affairs staff, highlighting the program's historical importance and its impact on the local arts community.

Commissioner Suzanne expressed a strong desire to see a similar awards program reinstated in Southern Nevada, emphasizing the region's artistic talent and community interest. She noted that having a local awards program could help shift the focus from Northern Nevada, where many arts discussions currently center. Commissioner Pauline Lee supported this idea, mentioning her willingness to approach Governor Lombardo, who has shown a commitment to the arts and education.

The discussion also touched on the reasons for the program's discontinuation, primarily budget cuts during the 2009 recession, which made it challenging for the Nevada Arts Council to host the awards. Despite this setback, the council currently runs a visual arts fellowship program that recognizes outstanding artists, with plans for a traveling exhibition to showcase their work across the state.

Commissioner Portnoy suggested rebranding the awards to differentiate them from the state-level program, while still celebrating local artists. This idea aligns with the ongoing efforts to recognize and promote the vibrant arts scene in Las Vegas.

The meeting underscored a collective enthusiasm for revitalizing arts recognition in the community, with potential next steps including discussions with state officials and exploring new formats for celebrating local talent. As the Arts Commission moves forward, the focus remains on fostering a supportive environment for artists and enhancing the cultural landscape of Las Vegas.