The Gates-Carawan Artist Award recognizes an individual for artistic potential or artistic contributions to Appalachia in the realms of visual, oral, musical, literary, or other arts. With this award, the ASA seeks to recognize and cultivate artists who are working in the spirit of the award's namesakes, independent filmmaker Bob Gates and activist musicians Guy and Candie Carawan—socially conscious artists who supported and encouraged the work of other regional artists.
The winner will receive a physical award produced by a regional artist and either a $500 stipend (for artistic contributions) or the guidance of a mentor (for artistic potential). Nominations may come from any ASA member. Nominators of a winning candidate with artistic potential will be strongly encouraged to develop a mentoring plan with the winning artist.
Nominations may come from any ASA member. Submission requirements are detailed on the awards page. Send nomination materials to Scott Goebel, Gates-Carawan Artist Award Selection Committee Chair, badbranch3@gmail.com, by December 1.