By Johnny Swinehart
January 31, 2011

The United States Conference of Mayors and Americans for the Arts presented the 2011 National Arts Awards for the fourteenth consecutive year during a special breakfast honoring the arts and culture.

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Tourism, Arts, Parks, Entertainment and Sports Committee Chair, moderated the session. The 2011 honorees were: National Award for Local Arts Leadership (Small City) — Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard; National Award for Local Arts Leadership (Large City) — Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter; National Award for State Arts Leadership — New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson; National Arts Advocate Award — Anna Deavere Smith; and Legendary Artist Award — Herbie Hancock.

During his four terms as mayor of Carmel, Brainard has used the arts as a catalyst for economic development and community revitalization. He was instrumental in the creation of a revitalized downtown with the Arts & Design District serving as an anchor. In addition, he created the Support the Arts Fund, which mandates that one percent of the city's general fund supports local arts organizations and it is a non-reverting fund so money that is not used this year will roll over into next year's fund. "Support for the arts as a local elected official requires strength and determination," stated Brainard.

Upon taking office in January 2008, Nutter, with his first approved budget, doubled funding for the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, the primary city-funded competitive grant-making program. Nutter also reopened the city's Office of Arts and Culture saying, "I couldn't understand how in Philadelphia, we would not have such an office," and created a new cabinet level position to head it. He directed $500,000 in CDBG funds to be used for the new Creative Industry Workforce Grants program. With this commitment, the school district has insured that every single school in the district has a certified arts teacher. Furthermore, Nutter has used his remaining inauguration funds to support ArtsRising — a new citywide art education initiative.

In his term-limited eight years in office, Richardson has been a strong supporter of the arts including supporting and signing the Fine Arts Education Act, which provides art education for elementary school children in New Mexico and established a state Music Commission to promote New Mexico musicians and music. He supported the development of the New Mexico History Museum, and awarded the University of New Mexico $3 million to create "Arts, Research, Technology and Science Laboratory" (ARTS Lab) to support the state's efforts in digital media industry. In addition, Richardson elevated the Office of Cultural Affairs to a cabinet-level agency of the Department of Cultural Affairs, and supported a new program to create arts and cultural districts across New Mexico. Accepting the award, Richardson stated that "I have long felt that the arts not just enhance a community, but they enhance a nation" and that "the last place that we should look for cuts is in the arts."

Renowned actress, playwright, teacher and author, Deavere Smith was honored for her efforts to advance civic dialogue through the arts. Deavere Smith was instrumental establishing the Institute on the Arts and Civic Dialogue at Harvard University and now at New York University. In addition, she also serves on the boards of the Aspen Institute and the Museum of Modern Art, and currently serves as the inaugural Artist in Resident at the Center for American Progress in Washington (DC). Deavere Smith stated, "Artists, who have the ability to transmit ideas and to have an influence, can be great friends of every city."

Hancock is a 12-time GRAMMY winning jazz icon who has been an integral part of every jazz movement since the 1960s. He won an Oscar in 1987 for Best Score for his work on Round Midnight. In 2007, Hancock's River: The Joni Letters won the GRAMMY Award for Album of the Year, making Hancock the first jazz musician to receive this honor in 44 years. Today, Hancock continues to be a major creative force in jazz as well as a trailblazer in the world of music and stated that "many of my happiest and most satisfying moments have occurred in the classroom" and that "I urge you [mayors] to continue to support the arts."