Governor's Arts Awards
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Recognizing Important People and Organizations

The State of Connecticut honors people and organizations that have made a difference in Connecticut arts. More than 140 artists, arts organizations, patrons, businesses, and others have been honored for their dedication to the arts and culture in Connecticut.


The Governor’s Arts Award was established in 1978 to recognize Connecticut residents and organizations for their excellence and lifetime achievement in the arts.


The Governor’s Patrons of the Arts award was established in 2014 to reaffirm the value of philanthropy for the arts in Connecticut. It recognizes corporations, organizations, foundations, and residents for their generosity and support of the arts.

Governor’s Arts Award Recipients

The Governor’s Arts Award recognizes Connecticut residents and organizations for their excellence and lifetime achievement in the arts.


2014
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Christopher Plummer, actor
Tim Prentice, kinetic sculptor
Luanne Rice, author

<p> Christopher Plummer, actor</br> Tim Prentice, kinetic sculptor</br> Luanne Rice, author </p>
2013
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Elizabeth Alexander, poet
Jimmy Greene, musician
Olu Oguibe, visual artist

<p> Elizabeth Alexander, poet</br> Jimmy Greene, musician</br> Olu Oguibe, visual artist </p>
2012
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No awards were given. Renamed Governor’s Arts Awards.

<p> No awards were given. Renamed Governor’s Arts Awards. </p>
2011
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Curtain Call
Keir Dullea, actor
Lyman Orchards
Alfred Marder, peace activist and advocate for Connecticut Freedom Trail

<p> Curtain Call</br> Keir Dullea, actor</br> Lyman Orchards</br> Alfred Marder, peace activist and advocate for Connecticut Freedom Trail </p>
2010
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Barkley L. Hendricks, visual artist
Connecticut Humanities Council
ESPN
Diane Smith, journalist, talk show host and author

<p> Barkley L. Hendricks, visual artist</br> Connecticut Humanities Council</br> ESPN</br> Diane Smith, journalist, talk show host and author </p>
Patrons of the Arts Award Recipients

The Patrons of the Arts award was created to highlight and celebrate businesses and individuals who have contributed to the arts in Connecticut.



2018
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Alva Greenberg
Yale University
United Technologies
Grace Farms Foundation

<p> Alva Greenberg</br> Yale University</br> United Technologies</br> Grace Farms Foundation </p>
2017
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No awards given.

<p> No awards given. </p>
2016
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Connecticut Community Foundations
John and Pamela Baker
Floyd W. Green III
Harvard Business School Club of Connecticut Community Partners

<p> Connecticut Community Foundations</br> John and Pamela Baker</br> Floyd W. Green III</br> Harvard Business School Club of Connecticut Community Partners </p>
2015
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No awards given.

<p> No awards given. </p>
2014
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Anne Tyler Calabresi
Jean M. Handley
Roslyn Milstein Meyer
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
The Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation

<p> Anne Tyler Calabresi</br> Jean M. Handley</br> Roslyn Milstein Meyer</br> The Travelers Companies, Inc.</br> The Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation </p>