Honoring Creativity. Growing a Legacy.
Celebrating 45 + Years of Excellence in Arts Education
For more than four decades, the Governor’s Awards in Arts Education has been New Jersey’s highest honor for young artists, educators, and leaders who embody the transformative power of the arts. Each year, this celebration recognizes students whose creativity and passion inspire us all, alongside the educators and advocates whose commitment ensures every child can discover their artistic voice.
Now presented through multiple ceremonies across the state, the Governor’s Awards highlight the vital role of arts education in shaping the leaders, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow.
Co-chaired by the New Jersey Department of Education and Arts Ed NJ, awardees are nominated by statewide partner organizations represented on the Governor’s Awards Planning Council:
The Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics
- Art Educators of New Jersey
- Art Administrators of New Jersey
- Dance New Jersey
- New Jersey Council of Teachers of English
- New Jersey Speech and Debate League
- New Jersey Music Educators Association
- New Jersey Performing Arts Center
- Speech and Theatre Association of New Jersey
- New Jersey Thespians
- Young Audiences of New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania.
About NJGAAE
The program aims to:
- Celebrate student and educator achievements in arts education.
- Raise awareness of arts excellence at state and public levels.
- Promote the importance of strong arts programs in schools.
What sets the New Jersey Governor's Awards in Arts Education apart is its unique nomination process, led by the Planning Council partners. They ensure the program’s integrity by overseeing nominations and coordinating award events.The Planning Council ensures the program’s integrity by overseeing nominations and coordinating events.
Over the past 45 years, more than 4,500 awards have been given.
The Planning Council ensures the program’s integrity by overseeing nominations and coordinating events.
Who is Eligible?
- Students (grades 9–12) demonstrating excellence in dance, music, theatre, visual arts, media arts, or arts advocacy
- Arts educators, teaching artists, administrators, and mentors making a meaningful impact in their schools or communities
- Nominees must reside in or attend school in New Jersey
For full details, download our Handbook
Discover the 2025/2026 Awardees
Continue the Celebration!
Follow the Governor's Awards on Instagram to see
- Award Ceremony Vlogs
- Exclusive Awardee Interviews
- Upcoming Contest & Award Information!
Led by Arts Ed NJ and the NJ Department of Education
As co-chairs of the program, Arts Ed NJ and the New Jersey Department of Education are proud to carry forward this 45+ year tradition. To date, more than 4,500 awards have been presented to New Jersey’s most talented and dedicated members of the arts education community.
Questions? Contact us at: info@artsednj.org