January 10, 2005

For the eighth consecutive year, Americans for the Arts and the United States Conference of Mayors have joined to issue the 2005 National Awards for Public Leadership in the Arts to selected local and state officials and to a distinguished artist for their outstanding leadership in the arts. On January 18 during the Conference's 73rd Winter Meeting, awards will be given to four arts advocates in recognition for their leadership and advancement of the arts and arts education within their community, and for their vision and leadership in providing heightened visibility to the value of the arts.

The winners are: National Award for Local Arts Leadership — Meridian (MS) Mayor John Robert Smith; Lifetime Achievement Award — Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley; National Award for State Arts Leadership — Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee; and Legendary Artist Award — Peter Yarrow. Following is a brief description of each winner's accomplishments in the arts.