united states urban arts federation
The Ray Hanley Innovation Award
The US Urban Arts Federation established the Ray Hanley Innovation Award in 2007 to recognize outstanding individual contributions to arts and culture in American cities. From the time he was hired as president of the Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) in 1985 until his untimely death in 2006, Ray Hanley was the driving force behind cultural development in Columbus, OH. He pushed artists, cultural organizations, arts educators, arts audiences, and the city itself to embrace the diversity and quality of the Columbus cultural community. Because of his work, Columbus is enriched with a cultural community that other cities envy, that impresses visitors, and that community residents are proud to claim as their own.
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| Mary Becht, 2009 Recipient |
Mary Becht, director of the Broward County Cultural Division in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, received the 2009 Ray Hanley Innovation Award. The Broward County Cultural Division is dedicated to enhancing the cultural environment of Broward County through the development of the arts. The Division director since 1984, Mary has built many path-breaking and award winning programs in public art, cultural development, and leadership training, among others.
Click here, to learn more about Mary Becht
Click here, to learn more about the Broward County Cultural Division
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| Peggy Amsterdam, 2008 Recipient |
Peggy Amsterdam, president of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, received the first Ray Hanley Innovation Award. The Cultural Alliance is the Philadelphia region's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the cultural sector, serving as a vital resource to over 350 nonprofit member organizations and the broader cultural community. Since joining the Alliance in 2000, Ms. Amsterdam has earned wide praise for her visibility, accessibility, and responsiveness to cultural groups. Learn more about Ms. Amsterdam here.
Recipients of the Ray Hanley Innovation Award should meet the following criteria:
- Current or former Member of USUAF
- Innovator in the field in the area of public policy, programming, outreach, arts education, fundraising, and other special initiatives
- Risk-taking and pioneering
- Created innovative programs capable of duplication in other cities
Additionally, individuals may be recognized for their body of work and/or lifetime achievement. Only USUAF members may submit nominations for the Ray Hanley Innovation Award. For more information, contact Community Development Manager.