Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education, and The United States Conference of Mayors presented the 2017 Public Arts Leadership Awards at the mayors’ Winter Meeting. Satish Hiremath, mayor of Oro Valley, Arizona, was awarded the National Award for Local Arts Leadership for cities with a population fewer than 100,000.

 

“The health of a community is often measured by its financial stability, public safety and infrastructure. But the soul of a community is defined by its arts and culture offerings,” stated Mayor Hiremath. “I am proud that as mayor, I have helped Oro Valley become a community that values public art. We have been willing to invest the time and resources into developing our arts and culture, and the results have been extraordinary.”  

 

Mayor Hiremath played a central role in the establishment and growth of the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council in 1997. In 2007, when the organization was confronted with near dissolution due to massive budget cuts and internal dissention, his leadership was responsible for the establishment of the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA). The organization is now the largest regional arts and cultural organizations in the state of Arizona, providing over 200,000 unique opportunities for individuals to engage in the arts each year through culturally diverse programs, festivals and events annually. 

 

With funds generated through grassroots community support from thousands of individual donors, special event revenues, grants, and collaborative business partnerships, SAACA provides diverse engagement opportunities for artists, organizations, businesses and individuals in the community. Mayor Hiremath’s leadership and advocacy for the arts have helped to build a community that is rooted in the cultural diversity of its citizens and the arts.  

 

Now in his second term as mayor, Mayor Hiremath continues to inspire and educate numerous volunteers, bringing his skills as a leader to his volunteer work, guiding citizen volunteers, Town staff and leadership, by organizing the voices of the community. 

 

“Mayor Hiremath understands the important role 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 Hiremath for his commitment and leadership worthy of this recognition,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. 

 

"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 the heart of our society,” remarked Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director of The U.S. Conference of Mayors. “Arts and culture help shape a city’s quality of life and economic vitality. Mayors understand the connection between the arts, business, and tourism and the arts significant impact on local economies."

 

Additional honorees included Martin Walsh, mayor of Boston, for the National Award for Local Arts Leadership for cities with a population of 100,000 or more.

 

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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. For more information, go to www.AmericansForTheArts.org.

 

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