Each year, Americans for the Arts presents awards to honor those who are committed to building communities through the arts. The National Arts Awards recognize high-profile artists and philanthropists; and National Public Leadership in the Arts Awards, recognize public officials.

Americans for the Arts and The United States Conference of Mayors, announced that Herbie Hancock will receive the 2011 Legendary Artist Award, and Anna Deavere Smith will receive the 2011 National Artist Advocate Award. In addition, Carmel, IN Mayor James Brainard, Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson will receive the 2011 Public Leadership in the Arts Awards.

"Anna Deavere Smith has been an extraordinary advocate for the arts, showing how the arts are integral to creating better American communities and citizens, and Mr. Hancock continues to inspire artists with his innovative stylings. Mayors Brainard and Nutter and Governor Richardson have all demonstrated immense dedication to the development of arts programming within their respective communities and states,";€ said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts.

"Every year, the U.S. Conference of Mayors recognizes the efforts of those who believe as much as we do, that the arts are the heart of our society. Arts and culture help shape a city'€™s quality of life, but mayors also understand the connection between the arts and business and the arts' impact on the local economy," said U.S. Conference of Mayors CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran.

The recipients will receive their awards tomorrow morning at The United States Conference of Mayors'€™ 79th annual winter meeting in Washington, D.C.