Big news in the world of city leadership and the fine arts: San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg is set to gracefully snag a national arts leadership award today. The man's got a reason to celebrate as the Americans for the Arts together with The United States Conference of Mayors decides to throw some love his way during their 93rd Winter Meeting over in Washington, DC. Getting this kind of recognition isn't a stroll in the park—it's the real deal for folks in the know who've been pushing for the arts like it's going out of style.

Now, let's not to forget give a shoutout to the other winners. Alongside Nirenberg, we've got Mayor Ester Manheimer of Asheville, scoring the same deal for her turf, and former Delaware Governor John Carney nabbing the award for the state category. These aren't your average political players—they've put in the legwork to thoroughly integrate the arts into the fabric of their communities. In a statement obtained by the City of San Antonio's news department, Jamie Bennett and Suzy Delvalle, the temporary head honchos over at Americans for the Arts, said, "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."

Whipping up support during a pandemic isn't for the faint of heart, but that's exactly what Nirenberg did when COVID-19 came knocking. His moves saved the day for San Antonio's arts sector, which was taking punches left and right thanks to a good chunk of funding being tied to hotel taxes that went MIA. The city's recovery plan, spiced up with over $5 million from ARPA and CARES, was like a life jacket to the sinking ship of artists and arts organizations. And just to put a cherry on top, Nirenberg revved up funding for public art from 1 percent to 1.5 percent of capital projects, as confirmed by a city press release. You're looking at over 800 pieces of public art that got a new lease on life with this guy's backing.

Director of the Department of Arts & Culture, Krystal Jones, didn't hold back her two cents, saying in a city press release, "Mayor Ron Nirenberg has long advocated for the arts and culture in San Antonio. As Mayor, he has made supporting the arts a cornerstone of his leadership, ensuring that San Antonio's cultural community thrives and evolves." It's clear as day that when it comes to Nirenberg, he's not just playing the part—his actions have had the impact of a blockbuster hit on the City of San Antonio's cultural scene.

For those itching to dive deeper into what San Antonio's Public Art Program is up to these days, you can give your clicker a workout at SA.gov/Arts and get your fill of updates on the @GetCreativeSA social handles. And hey, here's to Americans for the Arts and The United States Conference of Mayors holding down the fort for more than half a century, making sure the arts are getting their due from sea to shining sea.