awards for arts achievement

During his four terms as mayor of Carmel, IN, James Brainard 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. This endeavor has given new life to a forgotten area of the city. 

In addition, he created the Support the Arts fund, which mandates that one percent of the city's general fund support local arts organizations. What’s more, the account is set up as a non-reverting fund. As such, any money not used at year's end is not lost but flows into next year's fund.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized by Americans for the Arts and The United States Conference of Mayors, two groups that do wonderful work, for my efforts in using the arts and culture to promote Carmel and to re-invigorate and re-invent our downtown,” said Mayor Brainard. “I am so proud that Carmel is being held up as a model to others for our transformation.”