By Tom McClimon
June 27, 2005

Two Chicago women, who were described as arts leaders not only in Chicago, but in the world, were presented with the first Vanguard Arts Leadership Awards by The United States Conference of Mayors and Americans for the Arts. Maggie Daley, Chair of After School Matters and Lois Weisbeg, Commissioner of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs were honored before the mayors at a plenary luncheon.

In recognizing both women, Conference Executive Director Tom Cochran stated that both organizations wanted to honor these two women who have done so much for the arts in Chicago and in cities across the nation. Cochran also introduced a video, which highlighted the work of Daley and Weisberg, including Gallery 37, Cows on Parade, Chicago Cultural Center and the Summer Dance Program.

Robert Lynch, President and CEO of Americans for the Arts called their partnership with the mayors to be American for the Arts most important partnership. Speaking by phone from Austin where his organization was holding their annual meeting, Lynch recognized the work that Daley and Weisberg have done in "...putting Chicago in the forefront of the nation's cultural centers."

Miami Mayor Manuel Diaz, Arts, Parks, Entertainment and Sports Committee Chair, also hailed these two women as leaders who brought the "spirit of creativity" to thousands of children throughout Chicago.

In accepting her award that was made by Gallery 37 students, Weisberg stated that she was proud to be part of the Chicago's Cultural Renaissance, which has been led by Mayor Richard M. Daley. "Promoting a vibrant arts community requires partnerships and support which we have had from our mayor and others in the community" stated Weisberg.

Daley, in her acceptance remarks, challenged the mayors not to think small, but think big when initiating programs in their communities. It was that kind of thinking that allow her, the mayor, and Weisberg to initiate the Gallery 37 program in 1991 with 250 teenagers to where it now serves over 20,000 young people throughout Chicago. In 1995, the program was expanded to include the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts which offers year round programs for young people in areas like television and film production, literary writing, and culinary skills. Daley, now serves as Chair of After School Matters, an organization made up of public and private members that oversees all areas of after school programs that teach young people job skills in such areas as technology, sports, literary and the arts.

The award presentations were preceded by a vocal performance by Tramaine Parker a member of the Chicago Children's Choir. Preston Lee, Director of Corporate Relations and Housing Outreach for Freddie Mac, also spoke at the beginning of the luncheon.

Additional information on the luncheon program, including the honorees acceptance remarks and the video on the award honorees can be viewed at the Conference's website usmayors.org.