Who Will You Nominate For the Next Arkansas Living Treasure?

Arkansas Living Treasure Award

Crafting and Folk Artists

How to make a nomination

The Arkansas Arts Council is accepting nominations for the 2025 Arkansas Living Treasure Award, honoring master craftspeople and folk artists who preserve and promote traditional art forms.

What is The Arkansas Living Treasure Award?

This award recognizes Arkansans who have dedicated themselves to crafting skills that connect to the cultural heritage of Arkansas. Nominations are open through Friday, January 10, 2025.

What Are The Qualifications to be Nominated For The Award?

The Arkansas Living Treasure Award celebrates artisans who are passionate as well as masters of traditional crafts, such as quilting, pottery, weaving, knifemaking, canoe carving, and folk dancing. Awardees will be honored with $5,000 and celebrated at a special reception. To qualify, nominees must have at least ten years of experience in their craft and demonstrate a commitment to keeping Arkansas’s cultural traditions alive.

How Are Nominees Judged For The Arkansas Living Treasure Award and By Who?

An independent panel of experienced craft artists and folk art professionals will evaluate each nomination. Judging criteria include the quality and originality of the artist’s work, the artist’s contributions to the craft community, community engagement, and efforts to sustain and pass down traditional practices. The Arkansas Living Treasure Award focuses on functional crafts rooted in Arkansas’s history and culture rather than purely decorative pieces.

How do I Nominate Someone For The Arkansas Living Treasure Award?

The council will host a recognition event in the spring of 2025 for the chosen recipient. To submit a nomination or for more information, go to arkansasarts.org, or contact Scarlet Sims the artist services manager, at scarlet.sims@arkansas.gov or call (501) 324-9348.

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