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Greater
Pittsburgh Arts Council Announces The Work Of Art Awards
January
30, 2007 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tiffany
Wilhelm, Director of Community Relations
412.391.2060 x222
PITTSBURGH,
PA — This spring, the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council (the Arts Council) will host The
Work of Art Awards, the inaugural event recognizing the individuals and businesses
who create and support the arts in the region. The gala event, sponsored by Mellon
Financial Corporation, is the evening of Thursday, May 24, at the New
Hazlett Theater on Pittsburgh’s Northside. Following the awards ceremony,
a reception will be held at the Children’s
Museum of Pittsburgh, located next door.“Pittsburgh
has a thriving arts community that would not exist without the support of our
area businesses. The Work of Art Awards celebrate that critical synergy between
business and the arts,” said Mitch Swain, the Arts Council chief executive officer. “We
are proud to honor the people behind the arts in Pittsburgh.” Winners
will be presented with a unique piece of artwork created specifically for the
ceremony by a local artist. Nine awards will be presented in six categories: three
Awards for Creative Collaboration, Arts Educator Award, Volunteer of the Year,
Chairman’s Award, Mayor’s Award for Public Art and People’s Choice
Award. Awards
for Creative Collaboration celebrate partnerships that have dramatically improved
the capacity of an arts organization while providing a unique opportunity for
a business to contribute to the vitality of the local cultural community. Awards
will be granted for partnerships in three specific areas of arts management: Excellence
in Audience Development, Advances in Capacity Building and Innovation in Technology.
Nominations will be accepted from cultural organizations involved in a strategic
partnership with a business. - Arts
Educator Award honors an outstanding educator who is working to support arts education
in the Pittsburgh region. Nominations will be accepted from organizations that
have benefited from an educator who has involved students in high-quality, sustained
arts learning.
- Volunteer
of the Year Award will be presented to a participant in the Arts Council’s Business Volunteers
for the Arts® or the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts programs. One active volunteer
will be selected by the the Arts Council board and staff for the honor.
- Chairman’s
Award will be given at the discretion of the chair of the the Arts Council board of directors
to an individual or organization that has made considerable contributions to the
region’s art community.
- Mayor’s
Award for Public Art will recognize an individual or organization’s efforts
in the development of a public art project that contributes to the economic development
of a Pittsburgh neighborhood. Mayor Luke Ravenstahl will chair a panel and select
the awardee. “Public art can improve, enhance or eliminate negative impacts
a development may have on a community,” stated Mayor Ravenstahl. “A
successful art program can improve the appearance of entrances to the city, major
thoroughfares and neighborhoods. It can also provide an attractive transition
between residential, industrial and commercial areas. All of these benefits translate
to more economic activity in the city.” Nominations will be accepted in support
of an individual or organization.
- People’s
Choice Award will be selected through partnership with 91.3fm WYEP. Beginning
in April, members of the public will have the chance to vote for their favorite
arts experience of the past year through an on-line ballot.
All
nominations for The Work of Art Awards are due by March 1, 2007. More information
and nomination forms can be found at www.WorkofArtAwards.com Greater
Pittsburgh Arts Council (the Arts Council) expands the reach, influence and effectiveness
of the region’s diverse and vibrant cultural communities through programs,
services and advocacy. More information can be found at www.pittsburghartscouncil.org. |
