Governor Brian P. Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp today applauded the recipients of the 14th annual Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities, honoring individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to Georgia in these fields. The awards are presented in partnership with the Georgia Council for the Arts and Georgia Humanities.

Tomer Zvulun, the Carl W. Knobloch, Jr. General & Artistic Director of The Atlanta Opera, has been recognized for his outstanding leadership in the arts. Over his 13-year tenure, he has guided the company into the top tier of American opera organizations and earned international acclaim for bold, innovative productions. He expanded the company’s reach by launching The Atlanta Opera Film Studio, introducing opera to audiences across Georgia and around the globe. Zvulun is currently developing the first new U.S. production of Richard Wagner’s Ring cycle since the pandemic, bringing one of the most ambitious works in the operatic canon to the Southeast.

“On behalf of the State of Georgia, I want to congratulate the recipients of this year’s Governor’s Award for the Arts and Humanities,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Georgia is proud of our world-renowned arts and entertainment scene, which has supported our state's thriving economy for decades. The talented individuals and organizations recognized this year have played a key role in those efforts, and we are grateful for their impact on their local communities and our state as a whole.”

“We are honored to celebrate this year's honorees for their work to make Georgia such a great place to live and visit,” said First Lady Marty Kemp. “From historic preservation to music education to community and cultural centers, these individuals and organizations are providing inspiration and opportunity for creative expression for Georgians across our state.”

Atlanta Opera Board Chair John Haupert says, “Since joining The Atlanta Opera’s board in 2016, I’ve watched Tomer lead with extraordinary vision, creativity, and passion. His steady, inspiring leadership during the pandemic showed his deep belief in the power of art to connect people. When he arrived in 2013, the company was a solid but fragile regional organization; today, thanks to his persistence, it ranks among the ten largest in North America, presents nearly 50 performances a year, and reaches more than 100,000 students annually. Under Tomer’s guidance, The Atlanta Opera has become both artistically vibrant and financially stable.”

Following a competitive nominations process, ten members of the arts and humanities communities from across Georgia were awarded this year’s honor. The recipients represent a diverse group of individuals and organizations that have contributed to and supported the growth of Georgia’s thriving creative industries through community involvement, pioneering programs, and long-term financial commitment.

The recipients of the 14th Annual Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities are listed below:

• Tomer Zvulun

• Sherrill Milnes

• Andy Gaines

• Sasikala Penumarthi

• Dennis Skelley

• Luciana Spracher

• Atlanta Drum Academy

• Okefenokee Heritage Center

• The Suzi Bass Awards

• Union County Historical Society

Each recipient received a handmade wood sculpture carved by Etienne Jackson of Fairburn, GA. 
A description of each of the 2025 Governor's Awards for the Arts and Humanities winners is available in the online program.