Providence, RI — July 28, 2010
Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America, and the National Lieutenant Governors Association today presented Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Roberts with the Lieutenant Governors Arts Leadership Award. The award honors a public official who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the advancement of the arts at the state level. It was presented at the National Lieutenant Governors Association annual conference in Biloxi, MS, as part of the Public Leadership in the Arts Awards series.
“Lt. Governor Roberts has demonstrated consummate leadership in supporting the arts in Rhode Island,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “I am grateful to her for prominently including the arts and culture in her administration.”
Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Roberts receives the 2010 Lt. Governors Arts Award for her support of the arts throughout the state. Lt. Governor Roberts has been a strong and consistent voice in support of the arts in Rhode Island throughout her political career. As Lieutenant Governor she has made the arts and culture a significant part of her agenda, particularly as it relates to the important role the arts play in the state economy. Earlier this year, as part of her “Buy Local RI” initiative, Lt. Governor Roberts worked with the State Arts Council and Rhode Island Citizens for the Arts, the statewide arts advocacy organization, to visit a number of arts related businesses, attend performances and visit artist studios throughout the state during a two-week period. This tour generated a great deal of public interest and media attention, highlighting the importance of the arts to our state’s economy, education, and quality-of-life.
“I’m honored and elated to receive this award from Americans for the Arts. Being nationally recognized as a champion for the cultural economy in Rhode Island speaks to the critical importance of small businesses in the arts sector as a driver of the Rhode Island economy. As a public official, I have come to appreciate the profound compounding effect the arts have on our state’s economy. The evidence shows that non-profit arts, cultural and arts education organizations have created thousands of jobs and generated over $100 million annually in local economic activity in shopping, hotels, and restaurants. I will continue to use my position to create more visibility, support and funding for the vibrant and thriving creative economy in Rhode Island,” said Lt. Governor Roberts.
“We congratulate Lt. Governor Roberts on this honor," said Randall Rosenbaum, Executive Director of the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. "Our Lt. Governor's support for the arts goes beyond her attendance and participation in many arts events. As a leader and policymaker in our state she actively promotes the arts for what they contribute to our economy, our quality of life, and to the education of all Rhode Islanders. She deserves recognition for her advocacy and support for the arts."
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 50 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.