The 2026 Arkansas Governor’s Arts Awards Recipients Revealed

The Arkansas Arts Council has announced the recipients of the 2026 Governor’s Arts Awards, recognizing individuals, organizations, and businesses that make an impact on the arts across the Natural State. The council is an agency of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.

Honoring Excellence in the Arts in Arkansas

The Governor’s Arts Awards spotlight those whose creativity, support, and leadership help strengthen Arkansas communities through the arts. Recipients are nominated by the public and selected by an independent panel of arts professionals from across the state.

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Shea Lewis, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism said in a press release,

The Governor’s Arts Awards honor the artists, philanthropists and educators whose creativity helps shape the Arkansas experience. Their work strengthens communities, fuels our creative economy and gives visitors and residents more reasons to explore, connect and be inspired by The Natural State.

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Congratulations to the 2026 Arkansas Governor’s Arts Awards Recipients

This year’s honorees represent a wide range of artistic contributions and talent from across Arkansas:

Michael Fothergill of Little Rock – Arts Community Development Award

Corey Alderdice of Hot Springs – Arts in Education Award

Northwest Arkansas Mall in Fayetteville – Corporate Sponsorship of the Arts Award

Kay Thomas of Mountain View – Folklife Award

Sheila Holland Cotton of Little Rock – Individual Artist Award

Al “Papa Rap” of Rogers – Judges Recognition Award

The Frueauff Family of Little Rock – Patron Award

Tickets for the Governor's Arts Awards Ceremony Are Available Now

The honorees will be celebrated during a special ceremony on Friday, March 13 at the Robinson Center in Little Rock.

Tickets for the Governor’s Arts Awards ceremony are on sale now, giving everyone a chance to celebrate the people and organizations helping the arts thrive in Arkansas. You can purchase your tickets online here.