by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
The benefits arts programs bring to a community are sometimes subtle, but not always.
“The arts mean business and they provide many economic benefits,” was the message delivered by Julie Muraco, the keynote speaker at the 32nd Annual Arts Awards presented by the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville.
Muraco is the senior managing director of the NASDAQ stock market capital markets group and also serves on the board of directors of Americans for the Arts in Washington, D.C.
She said nationwide, arts organizations represent a $166 billion industry that employs 5.7 million people in full-time jobs. In fact, Muraco said, data gathered by Americans for the Arts indicates 4.3 percent of all businesses in the country are arts-related, as are 2.2 percent of all jobs.
“The arts industry is the backbone of creativity in this country. Vibrant culture and arts helps corporations recruit a quality work force and arts programs help America compete in the global economy,” she said.
The focal point of Tuesday’s luncheon was to recognize businesses and individuals in the community that have made major contributions to the arts. Each recipient received an original piece of artwork created for this year’s awards by artist Linda Broadfoot.
The 2008 Corporate Award was presented to Mayo Clinic for its Humanities in Medicine program. Concerts in auditoriums at the hospitals, music and art in patient rooms and cultural exhibits are included in the program.
In addition, doctors from Mayo’s sports medicine program provide on-site care at the beaches Fine Arts Series Triathlons. Mayo is also sponsoring the upcoming “Scalpel to Sketch” exhibit at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and “Upbeat Pink: A Musical Tribute to Breast Cancer Survivors” produced by the University of North Florida music department.
This year’s Small Business Award went to Harrington Design Associates. Founded four years ago by Flagler College graduate Jeff Harrington, the firm works exclusively with arts organizations. Harrington also sponsors an annual portfolio review contest in association with Flagler College’s graphic design department.
Carol McQueen, band director at LaVilla School of the Arts, was honored as Arts Educator of the Year. Her ensembles have for years been among the top-rated at state and national competitions. They have performed at venues including the Chicago Mid-West International Band Clinic, the University of North Texas Jazz Festival and her former students have taken first-place honors at the Duke Ellington Competition at Lincoln Center in New York City.
The Individual Award was presented to Darryl Reuben Hall, founder of the Stage Aurora theater company. Since 1999, the group has presented 14 productions including “A Raisin in the Sun,” Miss Evers’ Boys,” and Hall’s original play, “Frat House.” He also provides artistic opportunities to local students through the Stage Aurora Summer Performing Arts Institute and the 100 Youth Voices Musical Theatre group.
A Special Recognition Award was presented to WJCT Public Broadcasting in celebration of its 50th anniversary of providing cultural and community programming to the First Coast.
Photo by Max Marbut