Date:

January 14, 2004

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831

Deb Weber, Lincoln Arts Council, 434-2787

Mayor Coleen J. Seng today announced that she has selected the Tour de Lincoln public art project for this year’s Mayor’s Choice Award, presented as part of the Mayor’s Arts Awards. The 26th annual awards will be presented by the Lincoln Arts Council (LAC) the evening of Wednesday, June 2, 2004 at the Lied Center for Performing Arts.

"The Tour de Lincoln project captivated the entire community," said Mayor Seng. "We gained a new awareness of the value of public art and a new appreciation for our outstanding trail system. This award honors the amazing volunteer effort and the community support that made the project so successful."

The Tour de Lincoln project sponsored by LAC gave artists the opportunity to create bike sculptures from a steel bicycle form. The sculptures were displayed around the community last summer, and they were auctioned October 3 at an event that raised $450,000 for the artists, local arts organizations and the LAC. The bikes are now moving to permanent display sites, and many will remain on public view.

The Mayor's Arts Awards program formally recognizes artistic contributions and achievements in the Lincoln area. Those wishing to nominate a project, organization or person may request a nomination form by calling the LAC at 434-2787 or print a form from the LAC web site: www.artscene.org. The nomination deadline is February 20, 2004.

Nominations are being accepted for the following awards:

• The Halcyon Allsman Benefactor of the Arts Award honors an individual or family who has made significant financial contributions to the arts in Lincoln.
• The Arts Organization Award recognizes an arts group which has made significant contributions to Lincoln’s arts community over a period of years.
• The Leadership Award recognizes an individual or organization for making a major overall impact on the arts in Lincoln.
• The Support of the Arts Award recognizes an organization or business for significant financial support for the arts.
• The Cultural Celebration Award recognizes artistic work that has fostered an appreciation of a specific culture or cultures through the arts.
• The Literary Heritage Award recognizes a writer or individual who promotes excellence in writing and literature in Nebraska.
• The Larry Enersen Award recognizes outstanding urban design in Lincoln.
• The Sam Davidson Award recognizes excellence in theatre arts.
• The Artistic Achievement Award recognizes professional accomplishments in any arts discipline.
• The Heart of the Arts Award recognizes outstanding volunteer efforts on behalf of the arts.
• The Event of the Year Award recognizes a performance, exhibition, event or project in 2003 that will be notable in the community memory for years to come
• The Gladys Lux Education Award recognizes special initiatives or dedication to arts education.

The public is also encouraged to submit names of members of the Lincoln arts community who died during the past year for memorial recognition at the event.