Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings Receives National Public Leadership in the Arts Award

Orange County, FL – Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings has been recognized with the Public Leadership in the Arts Award for County Leadership presented by Americans for the Arts in partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo).

The national award recognizes elected officials whose vision and leadership have advanced the arts and arts education within their communities. Mayor Demings was honored for his commitment to ensuring that the arts remain an essential part of Orange County's future and a cornerstone of its continued growth and prosperity.

"This recognition reflects the incredible artists, arts organizations, and cultural leaders who make Orange County such a dynamic place to live, work, and visit," said Mayor Demings. "The arts enrich every aspect of our community, and I am honored to accept this award on behalf of everyone who helps make Orange County a destination for creativity and innovation."

Under Mayor Demings' leadership, Orange County has made investing in arts and culture a priority. Over the past eight years, the County has more than doubled its investment, increasing this year's support to $31 million, including a record $15 million in grants for cultural arts programs.

"Counties that invest in arts and culture are investing in stronger communities, vibrant local economies and a higher quality of life," said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase. "Mayor Demings has demonstrated how local leadership can elevate the arts as a driver of community pride, economic opportunity and cultural vitality. We congratulate Mayor Demings on this well-deserved recognition."

“Mayor Jerry Demings has paired sustained investment in arts and culture with a long-term vision for his community’s future,” said Erin Harkey, CEO of Americans for the Arts. “His leadership shows that when local leaders commit real resources to the arts, the returns are lasting — stronger economies, more jobs, and richer quality of life.”

Americans for the Arts’ “Arts & Economic Prosperity” study found that the nonprofit arts and cultural sector in Orange County alone generates over $264 million in direct economic activity, supports nearly 5,000 jobs, and welcomes nearly 3 million audience members (over 40% of whom are nonlocal).

Desde 1997, Estadounidenses por las Artes has presented the Public Leadership in the Arts Awards to outstanding federal, state, and local elected officials who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to advancing the arts. The awards honor leaders whose vision has elevated the visibility and value of the arts while expanding opportunities for artists, cultural organizations, arts education, and the communities they serve.