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For Immediate Release

Washington, DC —January 22, 2004—Americans for the Arts and The United States Conference of Mayors will honor Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell with the 2004 National Award for State Arts Leadership.  This award honors a public official who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the advancement of the arts at the state level. 

The award will be presented at the Mayors Arts Luncheon on Thursday, January 22 as part of the Conference of Mayors 72^nd winter meeting which will take place at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C.  The National Award for State Arts Leadership is part of a series of Public Leadership in the Arts Awards given annually by Americans for the Arts and The United States Conference of Mayors since 1997.  In addition to Governor Rendell, recipients of the other awards are:  Mayor Martin O’Malley of Baltimore for Local Arts Leadership, actor and producer Henry Winkler for Legendary Artist Award, and singer Tony Bennett for Arts Legacy Award.

“In a time of tough economic choices for state governments, Governor Rendell committed to preserving funding for the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts in this fiscal year,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts.  “His strong leadership in Pennsylvania builds upon his extraordinary record of arts support during his two terms as mayor of one of America’s largest cities.”

"We recognize Governor Rendell for his consistent commitment to the arts.  As a result of his unwavering leadership, the lives of Pennsylvania residents have been enriched immeasurably," said Hempstead, NY Mayor and Conference President James Garner.

Edward G. Rendell, since his election as Governor of Pennsylvania in 2003, has articulated a broad and inclusive vision for arts and culture that includes the promotion of cultural treasures and use of the arts as a catalyst for downtown redevelopment, improving a community’s image, and revitalizing many of Pennsylvania’s communities. 

As Mayor of Philadelphia, he spearheaded the creation of the world-renown Avenue of the Arts, which included the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, the Freedom Theatre, and the Arts Bank.  He also instituted the Arts and Culture Fund to give operating grants to smaller arts organizations, growing that fund from $500,000 to $1.5 million by the end of his second term. 

Governor Rendell established the first Gubernatorial Arts and Cultural Transition Team that resulted in strong endorsements of the current efforts of state government and paves the way for new efforts to maximize the competitive edge provided by Pennsylvania’s cultural resources.

“A state with a vibrant cultural life ensures a high quality of life for its residents.  Arts programs are an important component of economic development, attracting visitors, stimulating the local economy, acting as a catalyst for downtown redevelopment, and enriching our lives and those of generations to come,” said Governor Rendell.

Previous gubernatorial recipients include:  George Pataki of New York (2003), John Engler of Michigan (2002), John Rowland of Connecticut (2001), Tom Ridge of Pennsylvania (2000), Mel Carnahan of Missouri (1999), Arne Carlson of Minnesota (1998), and Bob Miller of Nevada (1997).

Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America. With offices in Washington, DC, and New York City, it has a record of more than 40 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.

Founded in 1933, the U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with a population of 30,000 or more. The primary roles of the Conference of Mayors are to: promote the development of effective national urban/suburban policy; strengthen federal-city relationships; ensure that federal policy meets urban needs; provide mayors with leadership and management tools; and create a forum in which mayors can share ideas and information. Find more information at www.usmayors.org.

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