1. Excellence in the Arts Award nominations are open to all residents of Somerset County and those whose work in or for the arts primarily benefits the residents of Somerset County. Nominees for the Aspiring Young Artist category must reside in Somerset County, but may be attending an educational institution out of Somerset County or the State of New Jersey.
   
   
2. All nominations must be submitted using the official Excellence in the Arts Award nomination form. All nomination forms must include narrative information and support materials.
   
   Physical copies of the nomination form are available upon request and must be submitted, along with support material, to:
   
   Somerset County
   Cultural and Heritage Commission
   20 Grove Street, P.O. Box 3000,
   Somerville, N.J., 08876-1262
   
   
3. Self-nominations will not be accepted. The nominee must be aware of and agreeable to the nomination and to subsequent public recognition.
   
   
4. More than one award may be given in any one category, but awards may not necessarily be granted in each category.
   
   
5. Suggested support materials include: detailed description of nominee’s credentials, résumé, biography, examples of artwork, letters of support, business plan for the successful partnership effort, outline of nominee’s successful arts program, description of outreach methods, event bulletins, press or media articles, programs, etc.
   
   
6. References will be contacted during the review process.
   
   
7. Please address any questions to the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, at CulturalHeritage@somersetcountynj.gov or 908-203-6145.

This award honors an individual, corporation or local organization demonstrating exemplary dedication to inspiring and encouraging the fine or performing arts in a Somerset County community or in the County overall in one of the following areas:

• Innovative, Inclusive and Inspiring Arts Programming
• Outstanding Vision and Leadership
• Dedication to Arts Access and Outreach
• Exemplary Partnership(s) serving the Arts
• Volunteerism and Philanthropy