{"id":82118,"date":"2026-02-03T15:11:26","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T20:11:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/?p=82118"},"modified":"2026-02-03T15:11:27","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T20:11:27","slug":"governor-kelly-celebrates-joe-walsh-other-kansas-artists-at-governors-arts-awards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kansascommerce.gov\/ja\/2026\/02\/governor-kelly-celebrates-joe-walsh-other-kansas-artists-at-governors-arts-awards\/","title":{"rendered":"Governor Kelly Celebrates Joe Walsh, Other Kansas Artists at Governor\u2019s Arts Awards"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Governor Laura Kelly and\u00a0the\u00a0Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) at the\u00a0Kansas\u00a0Department of Commerce announced\u00a0the recipients of the 2026 Kansas Governor\u2019s Arts Awards\u00a0at its\u00a0annual\u00a0ceremony\u00a0Monday, February 2,\u00a0at the Docking State Office\u00a0Building in Topeka.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThanks to the dedicated individuals and organizations in our state who make our communities more vibrant, the arts are thriving in Kansas,\u201d \u30ed\u30fc\u30e9\u30fb\u30b1\u30ea\u30fc\u77e5\u4e8b\u306f\u3053\u3046\u8a9e\u3063\u305f\u3002<\/strong> \u201cWhen creativity is supported and encouraged, we strengthen intergenerational relationships, boost economic innovation, and improve community identity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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These awards celebrate and recognize Kansas artists, organizations, and communities for leadership in improving quality of life in Kansas and encouraging meaningful creative expression through the arts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis group of\u00a0Kansas artists, art administrators,\u00a0and advocates we are honoring from across the state\u00a0continue to\u00a0have\u00a0significant and positive\u00a0impacts\u00a0on our economy\u00a0and\u00a0culture,\u201d\u00a0Lieutenant Governor and\u00a0Secretary of\u00a0the Kansas Department of\u00a0Commerce David Toland said.<\/strong>\u00a0\u201cKansas is\u00a0fortunate\u00a0to have such an array of artists\u00a0who are eager to take their work to the next level, bringing great benefit\u00a0and pride\u00a0to the entire state.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This year, the recipient of the Governor\u2019s Award, which was presented by Governor Kelly to close out the night, is Joe Walsh, a multi-Grammy Award winning musician and Wichita native who has earned global acclaim for his work with the James Gang, the Eagles, and a successful solo career. In addition to his music career, Walsh founded the veterans nonprofit VetsAid in 2017, which has disbursed more than $4 million to veterans\u2019 services charities to date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cIt\u2019s hard to imagine American rock without\u00a0the\u00a0guitar solos,\u00a0flawless songwriting,\u00a0and the enduring musical career of Joe Walsh,\u201d\u00a0Kansas Arts Commission Director Curtis Young said.<\/strong>\u00a0\u201cJoe\u2019s passion for music,\u00a0paired with\u00a0his generosity and philanthropy,\u00a0makes him\u00a0the perfect recipient for such a prestigious award.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This year\u2019s award categories and recipients are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n