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Black Tie
International:
2012 National
Medal of Arts
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President Barack Obama and Lin Arison
Photo
Credit: Karen Goodman
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July 22, 2013 - On Wednesday, July 10,
President Barack Obama awarded a 2012 National Medal of Arts
to Lin Arison for her contributions as a philanthropist and
arts education advocate. Co-Founder of the National
YoungArts Foundation and the New World Symphony, Ms.
Arison’s work celebrates, showcases, and supports the next
generation of great American artists. The award ceremony was
held in the East Room of The White House. First Lady
Michelle Obama was also in attendance.
During the ceremony, President Obama remarked, "...the work
that we honor today, the lifetime achievement of these
artists and these scholars, reminds us that the human
imagination is still the most powerful tool that we have as
a people... That’s why we have to remain committed to the
dreamers and the creators and innovators who fuel that
progress and help us light the way ahead, because our
children, our grandchildren deserve to grow up in a country
where their dreams know no bounds and their ambitions extend
as far as their talents and hard work can take them."
"I am honored and deeply humbled to have been included among
those who received the 2012 National Medal of Arts from
President Barack Obama,” stated Ms. Arison. “To me, this
award is a testament to the President’s recognition of the
incredible work of the next generation of young artists in
this country.
My late husband Ted and I founded New World Symphony 25
years ago and the National YoungArts Foundation 32 years ago
to invest in something we cared about passionately: the
development of emerging artists, and the need to encourage
them to pursue their careers. These organizations have grown
beyond our dreams, to contribute to the cultural vitality of
our nation. Ted would be very proud to know that.
I am grateful to the people of Miami, where both
organizations are headquartered, for their participation in
developing new programs, testing new ideas, and supporting
the future of the arts nationwide.
To the extraordinary people in whose company I find myself
as one of this year’s honorees in the arts and humanities, I
extend my thanks for everything they do."
“Lin Arison is one of the true champions of arts education
in this country,” stated Paul T. Lehr, President & CEO of
the National YoungArts Foundation. “Her commitment to
nurturing and guiding the next generation of artists has
changed the face of the arts in America and will continue to
do so. The entire YoungArts family is thrilled to see her
received this well-deserved recognition. We hope it inspires
others to support young artists.”
“With great excitement, the New World Symphony and its
Co-Founder and Artistic Director Michael Tilson Thomas
congratulate Lin Arison on being among the group of esteemed
artists and arts advocates who have received this
distinguished award,” remarked Howard Herring, President and
Chief Executive Officer of the New World Symphony. “We are
grateful for Lin’s unparalleled support as a tireless
advocate for arts education and her commitment to our
mission of developing leaders who will reimagine, reaffirm,
express, and share classical music with as many people as
possible.”
Ms. Arison is among 12 distinguished recipients including
Herb Alpert, Joan Myers Brown, Renée Fleming, Ernest Gaines,
Ellsworth Kelly, Tony Kushner, George Lucas, Elaine May,
Laurie Olin, Allen Toussaint, and the Washington Performing
Arts Society.
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ABOUT
THE NATIONAL MEDAL OF ARTS
The National Medal of Arts,
established by Congress in 1984, is the highest award given
to artists and arts patrons by the United States Government,
presented annually to individuals or groups in recognition
of outstanding contributions to the excellence, growth,
support and availability of the arts in the United States.
For more information and to see the complete list of 2012
award recipients, please visit
www.1.usa.gov/17KoRuO
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