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News » Cultural Council to Celebrate 34th Annual Arts Awards Luncheon April 20
Cultural Council to Celebrate 34th Annual Arts Awards Luncheon April 20
The Cultural Council’s 34th Annual Arts Awards Luncheon entitled
“The Arts: Catalyst for Change” will be held Tuesday, April 20 at noon on the stage of the Moran Theater at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. The Arts Awards are presented to recognize extraordinary contributions in several categories including Individual, Corporate and Educator. The event is sponsored by Regions Bank.
This year’s keynote speaker is Rob Gibson, executive and artistic director of the world-class Savannah Music Festival. The festival was launched in 2003 to stimulate arts education, foster economic growth, and unite artists and audiences in Savannah. Combining many musical genres including jazz, classical, bluegrass, international roots and more, it has become a signature artistic event for the Southeast, and one of the largest cross-genres festivals in the world.
Gibson was the Founding Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, where he worked with Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis to create and produce programs in more than 30 countries. Gibson has produced events and recordings for The White House, the Museum of Modern Art, the High Museum of Art and the City of New York. He served on the faculty of The Juilliard School for nine years and taught Marketing at New York University.
“Rob Gibson has made a dynamic impact on the way Savannah is viewed and appreciated throughout our country,” said Robert Arleigh White, executive director of the Cultural Council. “Now, as we seek to deploy the arts as a catalyst for real change in business, education and community identity in Jacksonville, we also see a unique and exciting opportunity to access Rob’s expertise in these areas.”
The Arts Awards will be highlighted by performances by Lauren Fincham and Ajamu Mutima. The art work of Tayloe White will be featured on the commemorative program and invitation. Each Arts Award winner will receive an original artwork by Jacksonville artist Allison Watson.Tickets for the luncheon are $55. Corporate tables of 10 are also available for $800. For information, please visit www.ExperienceJax.com or call the Cultural Council at 358-3600.