Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education, and the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) will present South Dakota Lt. Governor Matt Michels with the Public Leadership in the Arts Award for State Arts Leadership, which honors a public official who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the advancement of the arts at the state level. Michels will receive his award today at the NLGA’s Annual Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana.

 

“The arts play an integral role in the social, educational and economic development of a state,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “We appreciate leaders like Lieutenant Governor Michels who are actively promoting and advocating for the arts on the state level.”

 

Michels’ exposure to and appreciation of the arts began at an early age. His grandmother was a painter, and a student and close friend of Native American artist Oscar Howe, one of South Dakota’s most valued and influential artists. Before entering politics, Michels obtained degrees in nursing and then law. As a nurse, Michels experienced first-hand the healing power of the arts, and remains an advocate for integrating the arts into healthcare programs.

 

Michels represented his legislative district as a member of the South Dakota House of Representatives for eight years from 1999 to 2006. While in the legislature, he served for two years as Speaker Pro Tempore and as Speaker of the House for four years. He was the first person to serve two terms as Speaker since the 1950s. As a legislator, Michels was a supporter of the Art for State Buildings program and often points to the art in the Capitol Complex as examples of the importance of public art to the lives of the state’s citizens. 

 

Michels also served four years as Lieutenant Governor in Governor Dennis Daugaard’s administration. The duo was re-elected to another four-year term in the fall of 2014. The Daugaard/Michels administration was proactive in promoting a permanently dedicated revenue source for the South Dakota Arts Council by advocating that a share of South Dakota’s tourism promotion tax be used to support the activities of the state arts agency. Due to their efforts, the State Arts Council is financially secure for the foreseeable future. 

 

"This is a humbling honor and I accept the award with gratitude for all the impactful tireless work of the South Dakota Arts Council and cooperating organizations in our great state,” said Michels. “The arts have and continue to enrich my life and I am very appreciative for those artists who continue to give of their blessed gifts to our citizens."

 

“Matt Michels has been a strong voice for public support of the arts throughout his political career,” said Michael Pangburn, director of the South Dakota Arts Council. “We at the South Dakota Arts Council appreciate his leadership—sometimes in front leading the way, but more often quietly advocating for public policy that promotes the arts across the state. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor.” 

 

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 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.

 

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