WASHINGTON, D.C. —Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education, in partnership with The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) presented Michigan Governor Rick Snyder with the 2014 Public Leadership in the Arts Award for State Arts Leadership.  The award was presented today at the USCM Winter meeting in Washington, DC.

"Governor Snyder is an elected official who understands the critical importance of arts, culture and creativity in creating vibrant communities and places," said Robert L. Lynch, President and CEO of Americans for the Arts. "He is the first governor in over a decade to propose back to back budget increases for state arts funding in Michigan."

 "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," said U.S. Conference of Mayors CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran.  "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."

Affirming the important role the arts and culture play in Michigan’s economic resurgence, under Governor Snyder’s leadership state funding for arts and culture grew to $8.15 million in FY 2014, up from a low of $2.56 million allocated in FY 2012 when he assumed office. 

"In his first term, Governor Snyder has demonstrated his strong commitment to the strategic role that the arts, culture and creativity play in Michigan’s reinvention –cultivating vibrant communities that attract talent and business investment, contributing jobs and economic activity, and  making our cities and towns great places to live and explore," said Jennifer

Goulet, ArtServe Michigan’s president and CEO. "He’s led efforts to begin rebuilding the state’s investment in its arts and cultural assets in the last two years, engaged the creative sector in state placemaking initiatives, and opened important opportunities for Michigan’s creative industries to be positioned for economic growth."

As Governor, he formed the Interdepartmental Collaboration Committee (ICC) to promote collaboration among state government, local government, and regional leaders. The ICC developed a Placemaking Partnership among department directors and a coalition of statewide champions to reframe conversations and approaches to economic development and placemaking

 "It is no secret that Michigan has had its share of challenges in the recent past," said John Bracey Executive Director of the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA). "But Governor Snyder has met those challenges head on. As he planned for Michigan’s reinvention, he made it clear that MCACA and the entirety of the arts and cultural field would play a key role, not only economically but also in terms of quality of life. With Governor Snyder’s support, the field is growing, MCACA budget is greatly increased, and we have received a near record number of applications for support. He and his administration have truly helped Michigan become a better place to be."

To that end, Governor Snyder championed the Michigan Sense of Place Council– a coalition of state agencies and nonprofits shaping placemaking policies for Michigan.   In 2013, the Governor established action-oriented workgroups.  One of them one specifically focused on Michigan’s Creative Economy and Creative Placemaking, further advancing the critical role of the arts and creativity in shaping vibrant communities across Michigan.

"Art and culture are vital to Michigan’s reinvention," Snyder said. "They nourish us as individuals, unite us as communities and strengthen us by attracting new talent to our state. Michigan’s economic success goes hand in hand with the creative energy that thrives in every corner of the state. Whether it’s encouraging neighborhood revitalization, providing communities with identities that are unique and exciting, or attracting investments from entrepreneurs, the creative sector will continue to help lead the way in shaping Michigan’s unparalleled quality of life. "  

Three other awards were presented at the breakfast event—Akron, OH Mayor Don Plusquellic; Dubuque, IA Mayor Roy Buol; and Actress Fran Drescher were also honored. 

The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are 1,139 such cities in the country today, each represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the Mayor. Additional information is available at www.USMayors.org