New York State Council on the Arts Governor's Arts Awards Programs and Photographs

Chronological.

The Governor's Arts Awards aimed to recognize and celebrate exceptional individuals and organizations in the arts community. The program was first initiated under Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1966 and was held until 1976 when budget cuts forced its discontinuation. The program was reinitiated in 1984 under Governor Mario Cuomo as the Governor's Arts Awards and held annually until 2002.

At each awards ceremony, honorary awards were presented in various arts fields correlating with New York Council on the Arts grants program areas. Nominations were made by the public and constituents, selected by Council on the Arts staff, and confirmed by the governor. The evening ceremony was hosted by the governor and first lady, and featured celebrity presenters. Later awards ceremonies appear to have been held exclusively at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, but the earlier practice was to alternate annually between New York City and Albany.

This series contains select photographs and programs from the Governor's Arts Awards. The photographs span from 2000-2001 while the programs span from 1968-2002.

Each program includes a forward by the governor, biographies and photographs of each award winner, and a list of past recipients. In the later programs there are also statements from sponsors and the chairman of the New York State Council on the Arts. The programs include significant organizations and individuals spanning across the arts, including the Children's Television Workshop, the Harlem School of the Arts, Robert de Niro, the George Eastman House, Trisha Brown, Cindy Sherman, and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

The photographs document the 2000 and 2001 Governor's Arts Awards hosted by Governor George Pataki at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Subjects include Governor Pataki; master of ceremonies, Rosie Perez; presenters, such as Martha Stewart and Natasha Richardson; awardees, and various attendees. Most of the photographs showcase the ceremonies in the auditorium, although there are also photos of the award reception in the Sackler Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

B2652Series B2652, New York State Council on the Arts Governor's Arts Awards videos, contains related material.

This series was transferred under RDA 22157.

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.