FRANKFORT — A Prestonsburg man is this year’s recipient of an honor the Kentucky Arts Council calls “the most prestigious arts award given by the governor.”

William Francis was named the recipient of the Milner Award. He was recognized for his longtime support for the arts in Kentucky.

According to a statement issued by the Arts Council, Francis has been an advocate for arts and education across the state, serving as a board member for several cultural and arts organizations, including Jenny Wiley Theatre, Southern Arts Federation, Kentucky Arts Council, Kentucky Humanities Council and National Assembly of State Arts Agencies.

The award, named in honor of the late B. Hudson Milner, was established in 1978.

“Congratulations to this year’s recipients, who represent the best of Kentucky’s artistic community,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “I am honored to acknowledge and celebrate their many contributions to our state’s artistic livelihood through the Governor’s Awards in the Arts.”

Others receiving awards this year include:

• National Award – Author Bobbie Ann Mason, Lawrenceburg.
• Artist Award – Gray Zeitz, Owenton.
• Business Award – UK HealthCare Arts in HealthCare Program, Lexington.
• Community Arts Award – Latitude Artist Community, Lexington.
• Education Award – Christina Hartke Towell, Morehead.
• Folk Heritage Award – Leona Waddell, Cecilia.
• Government Award – U. S. Rep. John Yarmuth, Louisville.
• The Media Award – Jeffrey Lee Puckett, Louisville.

The recipients will be recognized at a public ceremony and celebration on Oct. 9, in the Capitol Rotunda.

Nominations for the Governor’s Awards in the Arts are accepted annually from the public. The deadline to make a nomination for the 2013 awards is Nov. 1, 2012. The Kentucky Arts Council coordinates the nomination and selection process for recommendation to the governor.