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IAC > Governor's Arts Awards > Muncie Chosen to Host 2009 Indiana Governor's Arts Awards Muncie Chosen to Host 2009 Indiana Governor's Arts Awards

Governor Mitch Daniels and the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) announced the selection of the City of Muncie as host of the 2009 Governor's Arts Awards.

"I am confident the City of Muncie will make the 2009 Governor's Arts Awards program an outstanding celebration of the arts in our state," said Governor Daniels.

The 2009 Governor's Arts Awards marks only the second time in 35 years for the event to be hosted in a city other than Indianapolis.  The 2007 Governor's Arts Awards program was held in Bloomington, and the concept of taking the event to other communities around the state has been encouraged and supported by Governor Daniels.

"It is an honor for the City of Muncie to be selected for the enviable position of being the host site of the 2009 Governor's Arts Awards," said Muncie Mayor Sharon McShurley.  "Muncie has a vibrant cultural community and this award will enable us not only to expand our artistic horizons but also allows us to showcase Muncie to approximately 500 art enthusiasts from around the state and beyond."

Muncie was among three communities submitting written proposals to the Indiana Arts Commission.  The other communities were Rising Sun and Greater Lafayette.  Representatives from each community made formal presentations during a September 11th special meeting of the IAC's Advocacy and Awareness Committee.

"We are honored to host the 2009 Governor's Arts Awards, and we have lots of exciting activities planned," said Terry Whitt Bailey, president and CEO of Cornerstone Center for the Arts.  "In addition to events here at Cornerstone, we are planning trolley tours, a gallery walk, receptions, and outdoor performances."

"The final decision was not an easy one as each of the three communities had its own unique perspective on how it would present this important event," said Lewis C. Ricci, executive director of the Arts Commission.  "I sincerely hope Rising Sun and Greater Lafayette will consider making a proposal again in the future."

In 2007, Governor Daniels presented awards to philanthropist Lori Efroymson-Aguilera, Indianapolis; artist and educator Menahem Pressler, Bloomington; jazz musician and educator Jamey Aebersold, New Albany; The City of Jasper; Fischoff National Chamber Music Association, Notre Dame; and Henry Leck and the Indianapolis Children's Choir.

Originally conceived in 1973, the biennial awards program honors individuals, organizations, partnerships, businesses, and communities that have made significant contributions to the arts in and beyond the confines of Indiana.  The awards recognize excellence in artistic achievement, philanthropy, arts education, and leadership in the arts, and at the same time build statewide awareness of the important role the arts play in Indiana.

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