On Wednesday, February 15, Americans for the Arts' president and CEO Robert L. Lynch was awarded the JFK Commonwealth Award at the 2017 Commonwealth Awards at the Massachusetts State House in Boston. The inaugural award recognizes Lynch's long career as an arts leader, champion, and ambassador. 

"Very few Americans can speak as authentically, knowledgeably, and passionately about the myriad public benefits of the arts and culture as Bob Lynch," said Anita Walker, Massachusetts Cultural Council Executive Director. "As we work to preserve our cultural legacy for future generations, it's important to honor those who fight to maintain and build upon President Kennedy's commitment to the arts and humanities and their vital role in our democracy."

The award is part of a year-long commemoration of President Kennedy's contribution to the arts and humanities. It coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, which along with the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities remain lasting legacies of President Kennedy's vision for the cultural life of our nation.

The Commonwealth Awards are presented every two years and shine a spotlight on the extraordinary contributions the arts, humanities, and sciences make to education, economic growth and vitality, and quality of life in communities across Massachusetts. The ceremony also presents an opportunity for the Massachusetts nonprofit cultural sector to gather, assert its value, and make the case for public investment in its work. 

More information is available in the Massachusetts Cultural Council press release. 

(Photo courtesy of Brendan Moniuk-Mercure of Mercure Photography)