Tickets for the 2017 Governor’s Arts Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to the arts in New Hampshire, are now available. The event will take place Nov. 1, 5-7:30 PM at the New Hampshire Institute of Art in Manchester.

Nominees include individual artists, arts organizations and communities who contribute to New Hampshire’s creative economy in exemplary ways. In order to be considered for the award, nominees must reside in New Hampshire or have made significant contributions to the arts while living in New Hampshire. Nominated organizations and communities must be located in the state.

Categories for the 2017 Governor’s Arts Awards are: Arts Education, Arts in Health, Creative Communities, Distinguished Arts Leadership, Folk Heritage and Lotte Jacobi Living Treasure, a lifetime achievement award.

Berlin sculptor Andre Belanger designed and created the awards, which are based on the State House dome eagle – the first public art in the state. Unique and visually striking, the award  has become recognized within New Hampshire’s arts community and beyond.

“The arts help attract visitors, businesses and families to our state by making our communities vibrant, welcoming and dynamic,” said Jeffrey Rose, commissioner of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “Taking the time to congratulate artists, arts organizations and arts supporters through the Governor’s Arts Awards is one way to shine a spotlight on this important part of our economy.”

Limited tickets are available and are being sold through a partnership with the Palace Theatre. The event includes a light reception, music and dance; cost is $25 per ticket and tickets will not be sold at the door. Please visit palacetheatretickets.org/AttractionDetail.aspx?id=771 or call 603-668-5588 to order.

The New Hampshire State Council on the Arts is a division of the New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. It began in 1965 with legislation designed “to insure that the role of the arts in the life of our communities will continue to grow and play an ever more significant part in the education and welfare of our citizens.” Funding for programs is provided through state appropriations, a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Conservation License Plate fund. Learn more about the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts at nh.gov/nharts.