2021 Governor's Arts & Heritage Awards: Luminary Awards

The 2021 Governor’s Arts & Heritage Awards (GAHA) Luminary Awards will be presented on January 13, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. The Luminary Awards honor and reflect the experiences of the arts and culture sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. The event format and awards categories will be slightly different than previous years.

The arts and culture sector has been hit hard by the Covid-19 Pandemic. Our sector was the first to close and has experienced devastating economic impacts. As we move towards recovery, ArtsWA wants to recognize artists and cultural organizations who have stood as shining lights for their communities. Those whose leadership and steadfast efforts kept hope alive in their communities – even as they were facing pandemic devastation themselves.

This year, instead of our typical Governor’s Arts & Heritage Awards, we will present these leaders with a special Luminary Award. Two awards will be given for each region in the state, one to an individual and one to an organization. The honorees have been announced and are listed below.

Spotlight honoree | The Governor’s Spotlight award is given to an individual chosen by the Governor for their extraordinary use of the arts and humanities to benefit their community during the pandemic. Join us in celebrating:

Governor’s Spotlight | Delbert Richardson

Regional honorees | These exceptional individuals and organizations used the arts and humanities to shine a light for their communities during the darkness of the pandemic. Join us in celebrating:

Southwest Region | Organization – Asia Pacific Cultural Center
Southwest Region | Individual – Douglas Orr
Central Region | Organization – Gallery One
Eastern Region | Organization – Spokane Valley Summer Theatre
Eastern Region | Individual – Jeremy Whittington
Northwest Region | Organization – Path with Art
Northwest Region | Individual – Akuyea Karen Vargas

Thank you to everyone who sent in a nomination. Your stories revealed the amazing arts-based work being done to lift people up across the state. Stay tuned in the weeks ahead for more news about these honorees and the announcement of the Governor’s Spotlight Award.

ArtsWA thanks:

Sponsors:
Vulcan Inc.
HomeLight

Videographers:
Michael McClinton & team

Physical award design & production:
Hilltop Artists

The Governor’s Arts & Heritage Awards planning team:
Glenda Carino
Miguel Guillén
Karen Hanan
Janae Huber
Annette Roth
Valerie Fluetsch
Michael Wallenfels
Terry West
Joseph Wolfe

ArtsWA's Board of Commissioners:
Justin Raffa, Chair, Richland
Rosanne Sharpe, 1st Vice-Chair, Coulee City
Catherine Nueva España. 2nd Vice-Chair, Seattle
Linley Logan, At Large, Bremerton
Faaluaina Pritchard, At Large, Tacoma
Robin Avni, Gig Harbor
Andre Bouchard, Olympia
Rep. Jaquelin Maycumber, Republic
Dr. Kelvin Frank, Moclips
Wesley Jessup, Spokane
Linley Logan, Bremerton
Lee Little, Olympia
Jasmine Mahmoud, Seattle
Diane Martindale, Friday Harbor
Joan McBride, Kirkland
Monica Miller, Ellensburg
Charlie Robin, Yakima
Judy Tuohy, Everett
Sen. Lisa Wellman, Mercer Island
Sheree Wen, Medina
Rep. Sharon Wylie, Vancouver