(BURLINGTON, NJ) -- The 45th anniversary season of the New Jersey Governor’s Awards in Arts Education (NJGAAE) concluded in June following a year of statewide celebrations. The 2025 season marked a new phase for the program, distinguished by a re-energized co-chair collaboration with Arts Ed NJ and the New Jersey Department of Education, and the successful implementation of an innovative recognition process. This process recognized students and educators at visual and performing arts events across the state, thereby fulfilling its mission to enhance arts education visibility and accessibility.
Throughout the fall into the spring, over 100 students and educators were recognized at competitions, festivals, and arts education showcases hosted by our statewide planning council members across New Jersey, where they received official Governor’s Awards in Arts Education medals and proclamations from the Governor’s office. Instead of a singular ceremony in Trenton, honorees were recognized within their respective communities, acknowledging the locations of their artistic contributions and creating opportunities for advocacy with those hundreds of students in attendance. This recognition process increased annual audience participation from 1,800 to 8,400.
"As we celebrate the 45th anniversary of the New Jersey Governor’s Awards in Arts Education, we are proud to embark on a new chapter that not only honors the incredible talent of our students and educators but also brings recognition directly into the heart of our communities. By collaborating with the New Jersey Department of Education, we are enhancing visibility and accessibility in the arts, ensuring that every artistic contribution is celebrated,” said Wendy Liscow, Executive Director of Arts Ed NJ.
The 2025 season included award presentations at events hosted by a powerful network of partners on our Planning Council, including: ArtPride NJ; Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics, (ACT-SO); Art Administrators of New Jersey (AANJ); Art Educators of New Jersey (AENJ); New Jersey Music Educators Association (NJMEA); Speech and Theatre Association of New Jersey (STANJ); New Jersey Thespians; Dance New Jersey; New Jersey Speech and Debate League (NJSDL); Young Audiences NJ & Eastern PA; and New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC).
Each event featured the reading of a commemorative letter from Governor Murphy, introduced by representatives from Arts Ed NJ and the New Jersey Department of Education, co-chairs of the program.
Since its founding in 1980, the Governor’s Awards in Arts Education has recognized more than 5,000 students and educators for achievement in dance, music, visual art, theater, media arts, creative writing, and arts advocacy. It remains the highest honor for arts education in New Jersey.
View the Class of 2025
As they look ahead to the launch of the 2026 season this fall, the New Jersey Governor’s Awards in Arts Education remains steadfast in its mission to honor the extraordinary talent, leadership, and dedication that drive arts education across our state. This next season will continue to shine a spotlight on students and educators whose creativity and commitment inspire communities and strengthen the cultural fabric of New Jersey.
The New Jersey Governor's Awards in Arts Education acknowledge outstanding student accomplishments and leadership in arts education across all disciplines. Over its 45-year history, the program has recognized more than 5,000 students and educators throughout the state. The program is jointly chaired by Arts Ed NJ and the New Jersey Department of Education. The NJGAAE Awards are coordinated by a volunteer Planning Council through year-round committee efforts. Awards must be statewide, uphold excellence, ensure impartiality, and accurately represent New Jersey's demographics. All artistic and educational determinations, including criteria and selection, are made by state and national associations on the Planning Council.
Arts Ed NJ is the unified voice for arts education in New Jersey. The organization works to ensure that every student receives a high-quality, sequential, and equitable arts education that celebrates diverse lived experiences and creative expression.
The New Jersey Department of Education provides leadership and resources to support school communities across the state. Its mission includes fostering academic excellence, equity, and whole-child development—of which arts education is a key component.
