06/20/2008
Contact:
Beth Garcia
Goodman Media for Americans for the Arts
212.576.2700 ext. 242 or bgarcia@goodmanmedia.com
Americans for the Arts Presents Emerging Leader Award to Oklahoma's Julia Kirt
PHILADELPHIA, PA — June 20, 2008 — At its annual convention this weekend, Americans for the Arts presented its 2008 Emerging Leader Award to Julia Kirt, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC) in Oklahoma City. The Emerging Leader Award honors a new and/or young arts leader, and recognizes his or her extraordinary work in the field of arts administration. Recipients demonstrate innovative thinking, a commitment to the advancement of the arts, exemplary leadership qualities, and have had a significant effect on their local, state, or national communities.
“Americans for the Arts has been a strong proponent for the advancement of new arts leadership and this award is a reflection of our commitment,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “Julia Kirt exemplifies the qualities needed to lead and advance the arts.”
Kirt has served as the Executive Director for the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition since 1999. During her tenure she has implemented “Momentum,” a hugely successful annual festival of visual arts in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The OVAC website features an online virtual gallery, and other programs include and Art Sale and Exhibition, the biennial exhibitions “VisionMakers” and “Oklahoma Painting and Drawing,” as well as an art studio tour, and the new exhibition “Art 365.” Kirt completed an M.A. in Art History at the University of Oklahoma. Earlier this year she was featured in the “40 under 40” feature in Oklahoma Magazine.
Organized in 1988, OVAC is a nonprofit organization that supports approximately 2,700 visual artists living and working in Oklahoma each year. The Coalition promotes public interest in the arts (more than 6,000 residents annually) by sponsoring exhibitions that help people of all ages understand the visual arts. OVAC helps artists connect with galleries, market their art, and raise money to support their work.
The Americans for the Arts Emerging Leader Network works to identify and cultivate the next generation of arts leaders in America. It is an ideal way for new leaders to share their interests with others as they continue to develop their skills and their commitment to the arts. The Emerging Leader Program targets professionals who are either new to the field, with up to five years of experience, or are 35 years of age or younger.
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 48 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.
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