Americans for the Arts Honors Exceptional Leaders in the Arts at The United States Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting

Friday, January 26, 2018

Americans for the Arts and The United States Conference of Mayors today presented the 2018 Public Leadership in the Arts Awards to three elected officials and one artist at The U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting. The honorees have supported and promoted arts and culture in their communities, and include:  
  • Larry Hogan, governor of Maryland, was awarded the National Award for State Arts Leadership;
  • Mike Rawlings, mayor of Dallas, Texas, received the National Award for Local Arts Leadership for cities with a population of 100,000 or more;
  • Javier M. Gonzalez, mayor of Santa Fe, New Mexico, was awarded the National Award for Local Arts Leadership for cities with a population fewer than 100,000;
  • Michael Cerveris, two-time Tony Award-winning stage and screen actor and musician, received the Citizen Artist Award. The award is presented to nationally renowned artists who have achieved both outstanding success in their creative professional fields, and have made significant charitable contributions of their time and resources to advance humanitarian and educational causes. 
“The leadership of Governor Hogan, Mayor Rawlings, and Mayor Gonzalez should be an inspiration to all those serving in public office. Their unparalleled commitment to supporting arts programs exemplifies how investment in the arts translates into community growth, economic prosperity, and increased cultural funding,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “We are also proud to recognize Michael Cerveris, who has contributed enormously to America’s artistic and cultural legacy, and whose achievements have no doubt helped change the future of the arts in America for the better.”
 
“Every year, The U.S. Conference of Mayors recognizes the exemplary efforts of local leaders who believe as much as we do that the arts are an integral part our society,” remarked Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director of The U.S. Conference of Mayors. “Mayors understand the connection between arts and business, and the significant contribution the arts make to the local economy.”
 
A list of previous award winners is available on Americans for the Arts’ awards page. 
 
###
 
Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America. With offices in Washington, D.C. and New York City, it has a record of more than 55 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.
 
MEDIA CONTACT
Jay H. Dick
Americans for the Arts
202.437.7856
@JayAFTA