AUGUSTA —The Maine Arts Commission seeks nominations for its first-ever Maine Arts Awards, honoring citizens, organizations, communities, schools and businesses for their deep impact on arts and culture in Maine. The nomination deadline is 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 8, according to a news release from the commission.

Nominations may be made in one of seven categories: Lifetime Achievement in the Arts; Business; Arts Education; Community; Artist; Rural Organization; and Philanthropist.

The final awardees will be honored for their long-term commitment and significant impact on the arts during a celebration highlighting their work during the third biennial Maine International Conference on the Arts in September, at which they will also receive a work of art commissioned especially for these new awards.

“Honoring those who have for years supported Maine’s rich culture and heritage raises the visibility of the impact of the arts in our state,” said Julie Richard, executive director of the Maine Arts Commission, according to the release. “Please consider nominating someone or an organization you think is most deserving of this honor.”

Maine Arts Awards nominations must be submitted through the commission’s online Grants Management System at www.MaineArts.com. Nomination packages must include a nomination letter; a letter of recommendation; the nominee’s resume; and related work examples.

The premiere Maine Arts Awards is being presented in partnership with ArtsEngageME, the new nonprofit support and advocacy organization supporting the Maine Arts Commission.

For more information about the Maine Arts Awards, visit the website or contact Richard at Julie.richard@maine.gov.