Americans for the Arts and The United States Conference of Mayors today awarded Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton the 2019 National Award for Local Arts Leadership for cities with a population of fewer than 100,000 people.

 

Upon taking office in 2016, Mayor Hamilton focused on improving the economy—helping it become more equitable, more sustainable, and more productive. With a focus on equitability, the city has released ten public RFQs for arts and culture projects since 2016, receiving more than 120 submissions yielding awards to a pool of artists, including 60 percent who are new to the public art landscape, and more than 50 percent who are women. Under Mayor Hamilton, Bloomington’s One Percent for Arts program has generated its first six-figure commission.

 

The Bloomington Arts Commission Arts Project Grants Program has also doubled during this time. In 2018, it provided funding to 17 local arts and culture organizations and supported more than 630 artists. The events made possible through these grants host more than 15,000 audience members each year. Additionally, the Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association supports arts and culture through project grants and awarded $40,000 to 13 artists and arts organizations.

 

Mayor Hamilton has also worked to create two new festivals: the new Black and Brown Arts Festival supported more than 30 artists of color with more than 500 attendees, and the Bicentennial Street Fair on Kirkwood with more than 6,000 people in attendance was so successful that it has become an annual event.  

 

The mayor worked to create a city-owned cooperative work space for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and innovative artists. The Dimension Mill is in a reformed 19,000-square foot furniture factory, which now provides critical workspace for the tech, start-up, and creative innovation community.

 

Reflecting on the impact of the Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District (BEAD), Mayor Hamilton supported the first arts and culture summit in the city’s history with more than 75 attendees who workshopped a new strategic plan for the cultural district.

 

“Bloomington's cultural life is world-renowned, and we are committed to nurturing it,” said Mayor Hamilton. “That involves investing in the organizations and the people who produce the music, literature, visual art, theater, and other art forms that contribute so richly to our city's quality of life. At the same time, it's a priority to ensure that the City's investment in the arts gives expression to underrepresented groups and provides maximal access to art and culture to those from all backgrounds and at all income levels.” 

 

Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts, commented, “Mayor Hamilton understands the important role that the arts play in advancing the economy and uniting communities, and his ability to motivate and organize others has had a lasting effect on his community and the surrounding region. I applaud Mayor Hamilton for his commitment and leadership worthy of this recognition.” 

 

“Every year, The U.S. Conference of Mayors recognizes the exemplary efforts of mayors 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.”

 

Americans for the Arts and The United States Conference of Mayors presented their 2019 Public Arts Leadership Awards at the mayors’ Winter Meeting in Washington, DC. Utah Governor Gary Herbert received the National Award for State Arts Leadership; Reno, Nevada Mayor Hillary Schieve received the National Award for Local Arts Leadership for cities with a population of 100,000 or more; and artists Michael L. Bivens, Jonathan Green, and Kate Raudenbush received the Citizen Artist Award.

 

###

 

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

[email protected]

202.437.7856

@JayAFTA