press room

For Immediate Release

05/08/2006

Contact:
Beth Olsen
Goodman Media for Americans for the Arts
212.576.2700 ext. 243 or bolsen@goodmanmedia.com


Americans for the Arts Announces Seven New Officers for the United States Urban Arts Federation

Washington DC—May 8, 2006—Americans for the Arts, the nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America, announced today the election of seven officers to the United States Urban Arts Federation. The United States Urban Arts Federation (USUAF) is an alliance of the directors of arts agencies in the nation's 50 largest cities. USUAF members meet twice a year in conjunction with Americans for the Arts events to discuss urban arts policy and funding. Officers were elected at the USUAF winter meeting in San Francisco and will meet for the first time at the Americans for the Arts 2006 Annual Convention in Milwaukee, June 3–5.

"We congratulate the new officers of the United States Urban Arts Federation," stated Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. "Their work is a critical resource to the nation's largest cities in addressing social, educational, and economic development issues through the arts."

Victoria Hamilton, President
Victoria Hamilton has been the executive director of the city of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture since its inception in 1988. Ms. Hamilton oversees the city's $8 million arts and culture program including the design and development of the arts and culture organizational support program, neighborhood arts and festivals programs, public art in public and private development, and technical assistance and services to artists and arts organizations.

Flora Maria Garcia, Vice-President
Since 2000, Flora Maria Garcia has been president of the Arts Council of Fort Worth Tarrant County in Texas, a private nonprofit arts council with a budget of $1.7 million. Ms. Garcia initiated the first comprehensive community-driven cultural plan in Fort Worth, which was completed in May 2002.

Michael Killoren, Vice-President
Michael Killoren is the director of the Mayor's Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs for the city of Seattle. The office manages Seattle's Public Art program, and a portfolio of more than 200 "Civic Partners," which includes a variety of artists and arts and cultural organizations. The agency increases the visibility of arts and culture through many different programs, initiatives, and partnerships, including the Mayor's Arts Awards and through its work with a 16-member, citizen-volunteer Seattle Arts Commission.

Peggy Amsterdam, At-Large Member
Peggy Amsterdam is President of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. The Cultural Alliance is the region's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the cultural sector, serving as a vital resource to its 298 nonprofit member organizations and the broader cultural community. Under her direction, the Cultural Alliance has launched major marketing and grant making initiatives while moving to the forefront of the sector's advocacy efforts.

Mary Becht, At-Large Member
Mary Becht is the director of the Broward Cultural Division in Broward County, FL. It is one of the nation's largest public arts agencies with a staff of 31 and budget of $21 million dollars, serving a constituency of 450 nonprofit cultural organizations, 10,000 artists, and a community of 1.8 million residents.

Norree Boyd, At-Large Member
Norree Boyd has been executive director of the Metro Nashville Arts Commission since May of 2004. The agency is responsible for administering $2 million in grants annually to nonprofit arts organizations and nonarts organizations providing cultural programming throughout Davidson County. In addition, the agency administers Nashville's percent for art public art program.

Camille Russell Love, At-Large Member
Camille Russell Love is the director of city of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs. In the position since 1998, she directs the arts and culture programs for the city and manages facility contracts for Chastain Park Amphitheatre, Hi-Fi Buys Amphitheater, and the Trolley Barn.

Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America. With offices in Washington, DC, and New York City, it has a record of more than 45 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.