Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long is known for her commitment to the arts, her dedication to aiding communities in Delaware, and her background in and devotion to the health sciences. She has been instrumental to the success of Delaware Arts Advocacy Week since its beginnings in 2017. As an arts advocate, she works both behind the scenes and on the ground to bolster Delaware’s creative sector. Every year she secures a proclamation from the Governor’s office honoring Arts Advocacy Week. She then invites legislators to attend, joining her in supporting the arts. The week starts with her opening remarks welcoming advocates to Legislative Hall and continues with her participation in panel discussions and other events throughout. As Chair of the National Lieutenant Governors Association, Hall-Long discusses the benefits of arts and arts education in Delaware and other state’s communities with her fellow lieutenant governors.

 

In March 2020, only days before Covid-related shutdowns, Hall-Long hosted the Delaware State Military and Veterans Arts and Humanities Summit, funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities in partnership with Americans for the Arts and the NLGA. Military leaders, veterans, elected officials, artists, and arts organizations came together to highlight the role art therapy plays in treating active military personnel and veterans who suffer from mental illness such as post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, as well as other psychological and cognitive injuries. 

 

Hall-Long is not only an avid arts advocate but is also a prominent health sciences leader. She was the leading voice behind the creation of the Behavioral Health Consortium, helping those who have been affected by the opioid crisis. She has made effective change in Delaware, creating a behavioral health system that works for everyone. Additionally, in 2018, she launched the Lt. Governor’s Challenge 2.0, a program that honors individuals, organizations, and institutions that work to make a healthier, more prosperous Delaware.

 

“Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long understands the inherent value of the arts and the positive benefits they have on society, the economy, health care, and our overall wellbeing,” said Nolen V. Bivens, President and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “I admire her dedication to both the arts and community health, and I am particularly enthusiastic about her arts advocacy efforts and care for military personnel, veterans, and communities across Delaware. I congratulate Lt. Governor Hall-Long for this well-deserved award.”

 

“On behalf of all the members of the National Lieutenant Governors Association, we are pleased to honor Lt. Governor Hall-Long for her work in two distinct, but related fields – health and the arts,” stated NLGA Director and CEO Julia Brossart. “Lt. Governor Hall-Long has long recognized the value of the arts in healing, especially with our veterans and active-duty military members. We applaud her for her work.”

Delaware Arts Alliance Executive Director Jessica Ball commented, “The Delaware Arts Alliance was proud to nominate Lieutenant Governor Hall-Long for the Public Leadership in the Arts Award for state arts leadership as it is much deserved. Through her work and support, Lt. Governor Hall-Long has shown a commitment to the growth of a vibrant arts and culture sector and to equitable arts education for Delaware students.”

 

Americans for the Arts and NLGA have jointly presented the Public Leadership in the Arts Award for State Arts Leadership since 2006.