SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL HONORED WITH 2012 GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR THE ARTS & HUMANITIES

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal presented the first annual Governor’s Awards for the Arts & Humanities. The Savannah Music Festival (SMF) was among two organizations and ten individuals that received the 2012 award out of nearly 100 nominations statewide. The awards were created “to recognize deserving individuals and organizations for significant contributions to Georgia’s cultural vitality.” Visit Savannah nominated SMF, and Georgia Council for the Arts, the Georgia Humanities Council and the Georgia Film and Music & Digital Entertainment Office joined in presenting the awards. 

From the Governor’s Office: “Georgia’s artistic and cultural enterprise facilitates our competitiveness in the global market and attracts new commerce,” said Deal. “These individuals and organizations are building a distinct state identity while also helping make Georgia the No. 1 place to do business nationwide.” These recipients represent a diverse and prestigious group of accomplished individuals and organizations that have laid the groundwork for Georgia’s growing creative industry through innovative programs, community collaboration and long-term financial commitment. 

To read the complete press release from the Governor’s Office, visit http://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2012-10-16/deal-awards-individuals-achievements-arts-and-humanities

The recipients of the 2012 Governor’s Award for the Arts and Humanities are:

•    Arthur Berry, Educator, Albany

•    Annette Cone-Skelton, MOCA GA Founder, Atlanta

•    Colonel Bruce Hampton, Musician, Atlanta

•    Akbar Imhotep, Storyteller, Atlanta

•    Thomas Lux, Poet & Educator, Atlanta

•    Philip Moulthrop, Visual Artist, Marietta

•    Paul Pierce, Columbus

•    Amy Lotson Roberts, St. Simons Island

•    Melvin Steely, Carrollton

•    Kay and Dean Swanson, Philanthropists, Cornelia

•    Savannah Music Festival

•    Thomaston-Upson Archives