Americans for the Arts Honors Mayor Esther Manheimer for Her Commitment to the Arts
January 21, 2025 | Asheville N.C. – City of Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer received the 2025 Public Leadership in the Arts Award from Americans for the Arts at the 93rd Winter Meeting of The United States Conference of Mayors in Washington, DC this past weekend. These awards honor three distinguished leaders’ steadfast support and advocacy for the arts.
About the awardees, Jamie Bennett and Suzy Delvalle, Interim Co-CEOs of Americans for the Arts, shared: “They know that the arts make us stronger – as individuals, families, cities, and states – so they have prioritized arts and culture in public policy and community initiatives focused on local economies, health and well-being, and education. Their work – and their communities – are national examples of what is possible when the public sector invests in arts and culture.”
Americans for the Arts and The United States Conference of Mayors have been presenting the Public Leadership in the Arts Awards since 1997, honoring elected officials who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the arts in their communities. Click here for the full list of previous award recipients.
“The U.S. Conference of Mayors is pleased to recognize the exemplary work of Mayor Nirenberg, Mayor Manheimer, and former Governor, now Mayor Carney as they use the arts and culture to not only promote their city/state, but to grow their economies,” remarked Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director of The U.S. Conference of Mayors. “Mayors understand the inherent value of the arts to bring people together, promote cultural understanding, and make cities safer places to live, work and play.”
Mayor Esther Manheimer has long been a dedicated arts advocate in Asheville and Western North Carolina. Throughout her tenure as Mayor, she has consistently promoted the role of the arts in enriching the community, playing a vital role in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene devastated Asheville and the surrounding region, causing widespread damage to infrastructure and the economy. The arts sector was hit especially hard, with more than 250 studios, galleries, and venues in Asheville alone lost to floodwaters, landslides, wind, and fallen trees. Many artists and arts organizations also faced business interruptions due to washed-out roads, power outages, and the loss of essential services.
Coming from a family of artists, Mayor Manheimer understands the critical role the arts play in the local economy. In response to the devastation, she has risen to the challenge, ensuring that arts and culture remain central to the recovery efforts. In November 2024, she was appointed by incoming Governor Josh Stein to lead the Rebuilding Western North Carolina Advisory Committee, where she has made the arts an integral part of the region’s long-term recovery.
Mayor Manheimer has been proactive in bringing attention to the role of arts and culture in these efforts. In December, she invited ArtsAVL Executive Director Katie Cornell to speak at the North Carolina Metropolitan Mayors Conference, focusing on the importance of the arts in emergency preparedness and recovery planning. This discussion was also a key topic during the City Council’s most recent work session. “The Asheville arts sector was hit especially hard by Helene and it is reassuring to know that the Mayor understands the important role these businesses play in our community.” said Cornell.
As Asheville and Western North Carolina embark on a challenging path to recovery, Mayor Manheimer’s leadership remains essential. Her resolute support for the arts ensures that the creative community will play a central role in rebuilding the region and restoring its cultural and economic vitality.