Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp today announced the recipients of the 10th annual Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities to honor outstanding individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to Georgia through their work in these fields. The awards are presented in partnership with the Georgia Council for the Arts and Georgia Humanities. Among those honored was Liberty County Board of Commissioners Chairman Donald Lovette.
“I feel so honored,” Lovette said. “I am reminded of a scripture quoted to me by a friend, “’Your gift will make room for itself.”’ “When I started writing plays I was just trying to help out our youth group at Pleasant Grove AME Church. I never dreamed it would come to this. And now to have the alumni of Love-It-Productions acting and performing on all levels, teaching and doing the awesome promo for this award is overwhelming. I give thanks to the “village” that has given me this opportunity. I am more motivated than ever to give back to my community through the arts. The talent is here.”
“It’s my honor to congratulate the individuals and organizations who have earned this year’s Governor’s Award for the Arts and Humanities and thank them for the contributions they have made to our state and culture,” said Governor Kemp. “These recipients are great examples of Georgia's creative industries, which play a key role in the economic health of our state, not only providing jobs, but also contributing to our growing tourism numbers.”
“It’s truly a special opportunity each year to pay tribute to some of the talented individuals and organizations in our state who enrich our communities and encourage deeper connection,” said First Lady Marty Kemp. “We applaud these recipients and all those whose work in the arts and humanities help make Georgia a vibrant place to live and visit.”
Following a competitive nominations process, 10 members of the arts and humanities communities from across Georgia were awarded with this year’s honor. The recipients represent a diverse group of individuals and organizations that have contributed to, and supported the growth of, Georgia’s thriving creative industries through community involvement, pioneering programs, and long-term financial commitment.
The recipients of the 10th Annual Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities are listed below. Each link includes a video highlighting the recipients’ contributions to Georgia’s creative communities and culture:
• Didi Dunphy, Clarke County
• Sheffield Hale, Fulton County
• Lyrika Holmes, Cobb County
• Donald L. Lovette, Liberty County
• Marquice L. Williams, Chatham County
• Dad’s Garage Theatre, Fulton County
• The Hambidge Center for the Creative Arts & Sciences, Rabun County
• Georgia Council on Economic Education, statewide organization based in Fulton County
• Out of Hand Theater, Fulton County
• Synchronicity Theatre, Fulton County