Americans for the Arts and The United States Conference of Mayors today presented the 2019 Public Leadership in the Arts Awards to three elected officials and three artists at The U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting in Washington, DC. The honorees have supported and promoted arts and culture in their communities, and include:  

 

Gary Herbert, governor of Utah, awarded the National Award for State Arts Leadership;

 

Hillary Schieve, mayor of Reno, Nevada, awarded the National Award for Local Arts Leadership for cities with a population of 100,000 or more; 

 

John Hamilton, mayor of Bloomington, Indiana, awarded the National Award for Local Arts Leadership for cities with a population of 100,000 or fewer;

 

The Citizen Artist Award—presented to nationally renowned artists who have achieved both outstanding success in their creative professional fields, and have made significant charitable contributions of their time and resources to advance humanitarian and educational causes—was presented to Michael L. Bivins, founding member of New Edition and Bell Biv Devoe, and founder of Bivfam Foundation; Jonathan Green, professional painter and printmaker, considered one of the most important contemporary painters of the Southern experience; and Kate Raudenbush, a Burning Man-bred international artist and the longest running solo female artist at Burning Man.  

 

“The leadership of Governor Herbert, Mayor Schieve, and Mayor Hamilton should be an inspiration to all those serving in public office. Their unparalleled commitment to supporting arts programs exemplifies how investment in the arts translates into community growth, economic prosperity, and increased cultural funding,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “We are also proud to recognize Michael Bivins, Jonathan Green, and Kate Raudenbush, who have contributed enormously to America’s artistic and cultural legacy, and whose achievements have no doubt helped change the future of the arts in America for the better.”

 

“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.”

 

A list of previous award winners is available on Americans for the Arts’ awards page. 

 

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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. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.

 

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