The City of Garland's Public & Media Relations team, having competed in a field where over 1,000 entries were submitted by local governments nationwide, garnered a series of accolades for their video programming from the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors, as the city announced. Recognizing local government agencies that excel in broadcast, cable, multimedia, and electronic programming, the awards demonstrate Garland's ability to create engaging content for its residents.
At the Operating Budget Under $350,000 competition level, winning first place trophies for the city in both the Public Service Announcement and Use of Humor categories, a witty “Grand Opening Parking” video provided attendees with parking instructions for last year's Downtown Square grand opening. According to the City of Garland, further success was obtained with a second-place trophy for Overall Excellence and yet another third-place in Public Education for their informative "Outdoor Warning Sirens" video.
The “Bankhead Cultural Arts District Announcement” video also garnered top honors at the national level. Aimed at raising community awareness, it announced Garland's designation as a Cultural Arts District by the Texas Commission on the Arts, and the city took home first place for this effort.
Not only were the efforts in public service recognition and community awareness given top honors, but the team’s creative portrayal of a local "Blind Mural Artist," John Bramblitt, who, despite his visual impairment, was commissioned to create a mural in Downtown, rightfully earned the city another first-place award, celebrating the intersection of artistic talent and community. Garland's unswerving commitment to acknowledging the diversity and talent within its community was thrust into the national spotlight, as John Bramblitt’s story unfolded through their video, capturing first place in the Arts & Entertainment category.
