By Tom McClimon
October 22, 2007

At a star-studded event attended by leading artists and arts patrons of New York City, The U.S. Conference of Mayors was honored for its leadership in the arts over its 75-year history. The award was presented by Americans for the Arts at their annual National Arts Awards Gala held October 15 in New York City. Accepting the award on behalf of the Conference was the Executive Director Tom Cochran, who was also recognized for his service in support of the arts.

The Conference of Mayors was singled out for this award for its long-time leadership of the arts. In a short video tribute to the organization, Americans for the Arts President and CEO Robert Lynch praised the work of the nation’s mayors. “It was the Conference of Mayors and the nation’s mayors who helped save the National Endowment for the Arts when its existence was threatened. Their support swayed Congressional support in saving the Arts Endowment,” Lynch said. The Conference was also singled out for its role in co-sponsoring the annual Public Leadership in the Arts Awards, and its support in recognizing the economic impact of the arts locally. Mayors were also recognized for their strong support of the arts locally where over $1 billion is given annually by local governments to the arts. The video tribute included a number of mayors reflecting on the importance that the arts play in their communities. Mayors featured were: Miami Mayor Manuel Diaz; Providence Mayor David Cicilline; Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin; Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann; Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman; former Long Beach Mayor Beverly O’Neill and former Denver Mayor Wellington E. Webb.

In accepting the award, Cochran recognized the importance partnership between the two organizations, the Conference of Mayors and Americans for the Arts and many of the past accomplishments. “We know that the arts generates over $166 billion in economic activity every year,” stated Cochran. “We will continue to work to see that the arts remain strongly locally as well as nationally.” Instead of focusing on the past, Cochran went on to talk about how the two organizations would work together in the future, and especially in the upcoming presidential campaigns. “We will be going to each of the presidential candidates and ask them for their positions on the arts. We will press them for their support of the arts. We will not rest until the arts receive the proper recognition they deserve including the establishment of a minister level department of the arts.”

Former New York City Mayor David Dinkins presented the award on behalf of Americans for the Arts to Cochran. Current New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg also served as one of the other awards’ presenters. In his remarks, the Mayor also paid tribute to the Conference and its work in the arts and other urban issues.

Other honorees during this year’s ceremony included: Wallis Annenberg, a trustee of the Annenberg Foundation (Frederick R. Weisman Award for Philanthropy in the Arts); Ellsworth Kelly, abstract painter and sculptor (Lifetime Achievement Award); John Legend, singer, composer, songwriter (Young Artist Award for Artistic Excellence); Anna Deavere Smith, actress, playwright, teacher, author (Kitty Carlisle Hart Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Arts) and The Music Industry and the NAMM (Corporate Citizenship in the Arts Award).