WASHINGTON, DC — Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts, announced today that it is presenting the 2011 Michael Newton Award to Susan Schadt, president & CEO of ArtsMemphis. Given annually since 1991, the Michael Newton Award recognizes exemplary leadership skills and extraordinary dedication to supporting the arts through a united arts fund, which is a combined effort to raise money on behalf of multiple arts institutions in the community. Ms. Schadt will receive her award on June 16 at the Americans for the Arts Annual Convention in San Diego.

“In a time when financial support for the arts is hurting across all disciplines, Susan Schadt’s continued leadership is truly admirable," said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “Her visionary approach and unwavering commitment to advancing the arts has benefited thousands of people working in and participating in the arts throughout Memphis and Shelby County.”

ArtsMemphis has undergone tremendous transformation since Ms. Schadt took helm of the organization in 2002. Her prolific leadership and vision has molded ArtMemphis into a dynamic, forward-thinking organization with an emphasis on attracting a diverse base of support, using innovation to improve arts organizations and promoting Memphis as a City of Choice with a vibrant, creative culture. In addition to her work leading ArtsMemphis, she is often called upon to be a spokesperson for the arts and has been included on panels of national conferences. In addition, she presented a vision for the arts as catalyst for urban renewal to National Endowment for the Arts chair Rocco Landesman in January 2010. Ms. Schadt currently serves on the Riverfront Development Corporation Board of Directors and on the Advisory Council of the Institute for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at the University of Memphis.

“I am extremely grateful to Americans for the Arts and the ArtsMemphis team for this tremendous honor,” said Ms. Schadt. “I am especially glad that this award shines a national spotlight on the city of Memphis and its thriving, diverse artistic community.”

Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America. With offices in Washington, D.C. and New York City, it has a record of more than 50 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.