A 33-year tradition of honoring the contributions that individuals, businesses and arts organizations have made to the cultural advancement of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky will continue in 2008. The Post-Corbett Awards, started in 1975 by The Cincinnati Post and The Kentucky Post, will become the Scripps-Corbett Awards this year. The E. W. Scripps Company, which has assumed responsibility for the prestigious awards program, today issued a call to the community for nominations. The Scripps-Corbett Awards are named in honor of late Cincinnati arts patrons Patricia and J. Ralph Corbett. The awards were established to encourage support for the arts and as an incentive for Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky to maintain vibrant and sustainable arts communities. The Scripps-Corbett Awards will be presented during a ceremony April 29 at the Cincinnati Art Museum in conjunction with the 2008 Fine Arts Fund Campaign Finale. “Cincinnati is respected the world over as one of America’s shining cultural centers,” said Kenneth W. Lowe, president and chief executive officer for Scripps. “This fine tradition, started by The Post newspapers more than three decades ago, provides us with an opportunity to recognize those in our community who have contributed significantly to our cultural life. We’re proud to partner with the Fine Arts Fund and lend our corporate identity and support to the Scripps-Corbett Awards.” The Scripps-Corbett Awards will be accepting nominations in the following categories through March 28:

• Artist - Honors visual, literary and performing artists.
• Organization – Honors an organization, project or event that has significantly contributed to the region’s quality of life or has had a measurable effect on the community and enhanced its reputation.
• Innovation – Recognizes quality innovative programming to reach a wider audience, particularly those attracting youth, seniors or the underserved.
• Supporter – Honors a volunteer, donor or paid professional who has contributed to the success of an arts organization or artistic endeavors.
• Lifetime Achievement or Special Award – Honors an individual or an organization for an extensive body of work over a sustained period of time.

Those chosen by the judges for a Scripps-Corbett Award will receive a contemporary sculpture designed by The Harrison Group. It is possible, based on the programs rules and guidelines, that there could be no winner in a specific category. Nomination forms, including rules and judging criteria, can be obtained by contacting Crystal Price at The E. W. Scripps Company, 312 Walnut St., Suite 2800, Cincinnati, OH, 45202, 513-977-3841. Nomination forms also are available electronically at fineartsfund.org, WCPO.com and KYPost.com.