art awards

Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana Celebrates Koch Foundation’s Remarkable Philanthropic Contributions to the Arts Community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2023

Koch Foundation Honored as Recipient of the 2023 Mayor’s Art Award
Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana Celebrates Koch Foundation’s Remarkable Philanthropic Contributions to the Arts Community

Evansville, IN: The Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana is thrilled to announce the distinguished recipient of the 2023 Mayor’s Art Award: the Koch Foundation. This prestigious accolade, traditionally given at the Arts Council’s Annual Art Awards, will take place at the Evansville Museum Gala on Saturday, November 4, 2023. The award will be presented by Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke and Anne McKim, Executive Director of the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana.

The Mayor’s Art Award is an annual tribute honoring individuals and organizations that have left an indelible mark on the local arts and cultural landscape. Anne McKim, Executive Director of the Arts Council, expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s awardee, stating, “It is the most prestigious arts recognition given locally, and I can’t think of a more deserving honoree.”

The Koch Foundation earned this accolade based on more than six decades of commitment to philanthropy and unwavering support for the Evansville area arts community. Nominated by Mary Bower, the Executive Director of the Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science, the Koch Foundation has significantly contributed to various projects over the years. Their generous contributions have facilitated essential upgrades, including HVAC enhancements to provide climate control for the Museum’s permanent collection, roof replacement of the Museum’s 1959 Wing, the handmade bronze and steel Millennial Gate by local artist William Leth, and the establishment of the Koch Immersive Theater & Planetarium. 

The Koch Foundation’s devotion to the Evansville community extends beyond financial support. Part of their corporate mission is to improve the quality of life within the communities where they have operations by helping them better serve their residents by encouraging team member participation in important community organizations and activities. Their commitment has benefited cultural institutions such as the Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science, the Evansville Philharmonic, the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana, the Signature School, the Koch Family Children’s Museum of Evansville, and more. 

About the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana
The Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana, established in 1970, plays a pivotal role in advancing arts and cultural experiences in the region. Located at 212 Main Street, the Arts Council fosters a vibrant cultural hub with a gallery and rooftop Art Deck offering free arts experiences for local artists, musicians, and the community. Beyond its physical presence, the Arts Council actively supports various arts and cultural organizations, collaborates with business and political leaders on Quality of Place initiatives, provides training and development for artist business owners, and spearheads community-led arts programming. Moreover, the Arts Council serves as the regional representative for the Indiana Arts Commission, championing regional arts initiatives.

For more information about the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana and its initiatives, please visit www.artswin.org. 

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