ARTS LEADERSHIP
Furthering the arts in our community takes dedication, effort, talent, as well as leadership. Sometimes leaders are born, but more often, they are made through mentoring, education, experience and a passion for what they believe in. Dynamic leaders in the arts are a key to the success of our vision for the future, with "More Arts in More Places for More People."
2025 AWARD RECIPIENTS
JOHN BEDER
FRANCES MCDONALD
A MESSAGE FROM CHATTANOOGA MAYOR TIM KELLY
Ruth Holmberg Arts Leadership Award
ArtsBuild is pleased to recognize the recipients of the 2025 Ruth Holmberg Arts Leadership Award—John Beder and Frances McDonald.
The annual Ruth Holmberg Arts Leadership Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts in Chattanooga and who are actively engaged in the cultural life of our community—“Arts Builders” who exemplify ArtsBuild’s mission to build a stronger community through the arts as demonstrated by their significant contributions to the arts and their leadership.
The first Arts Leadership Award in 2014 recognized Ruth Holmberg for her extraordinary support of the arts and cultural community in Chattanooga over 70 years. Since 2014, the annual award has honored Mrs. Holmberg with her name. Past recipients include Mai Bell Hurley, Fletcher Bright, Sonia Young, Booker T. Scruggs II, Alice L. Smith, Warren Barnett, Candy Kruesi, Ann Law, Mitch Patel, Hacker & Kitty Caldwell, Charlie & Iantha Newton, Dr. Roland Carter, Vincent Oakes, Peggy Wood Townsend, Stan Townsend, Cam Busch, Rita Lorraine Hubbard, Olan & Norma Mills, and Anna Baker VanCura.
ArtsBuild is pleased to recognize the recipients of the 2024 Ruth Holmberg Arts Leadership Award – Cam Busch, Rita Lorraine Hubbard, Olan & Norma Mills, and Anna Baker Van Cura.
The annual Ruth Holmberg Arts Leadership Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts in Chattanooga and who are actively engaged in the cultural life of our community— “Arts Builders” who exemplify ArtsBuild’s mission to build a stronger community through the arts as demonstrated by their significant contributions to the arts and their leadership.
The first Arts Leadership Award in 2014 recognized Ruth Holmberg for her extraordinary support of the arts and cultural community in Chattanooga over 70 years. Since 2014, the annual award has honored Mrs. Holmberg with her name. Past recipients include Mai Bell Hurley, Fletcher Bright, Sonia Young, Booker T. Scruggs II, Alice L. Smith, Warren Barnett, Candy Kruesi, Ann Law, Mitch Patel, Hacker & Kitty Caldwell, Charlie & Iantha Newton, Dr. Roland Carter, Vincent Oakes, Peggy Wood Townsend, and Stan Townsend.
ArtsBuild is pleased to recognize the recipients of the 2024 Ruth Holmberg Arts Leadership Award – Cam Busch, Rita Lorraine Hubbard, Olan & Norma Mills, and Anna Baker Van Cura.
The annual Ruth Holmberg Arts Leadership Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts in Chattanooga and who are actively engaged in the cultural life of our community— “Arts Builders” who exemplify ArtsBuild’s mission to build a stronger community through the arts as demonstrated by their significant contributions to the arts and their leadership.
The first Arts Leadership Award in 2014 recognized Ruth Holmberg for her extraordinary support of the arts and cultural community in Chattanooga over 70 years. Since 2014, the annual award has honored Mrs. Holmberg with her name. Past recipients include Mai Bell Hurley, Fletcher Bright, Sonia Young, Booker T. Scruggs II, Alice L. Smith, Warren Barnett, Candy Kruesi, Ann Law, Mitch Patel, Hacker & Kitty Caldwell, Charlie & Iantha Newton, Dr. Roland Carter, Vincent Oakes, Peggy Wood Townsend, and Stan Townsend.
ArtsBuild is pleased to recognize the recipients of the 2024 Ruth Holmberg Arts Leadership Award – Cam Busch, Rita Lorraine Hubbard, Olan & Norma Mills, and Anna Baker Van Cura.
The annual Ruth Holmberg Arts Leadership Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts in Chattanooga and who are actively engaged in the cultural life of our community— “Arts Builders” who exemplify ArtsBuild’s mission to build a stronger community through the arts as demonstrated by their significant contributions to the arts and their leadership.
The first Arts Leadership Award in 2014 recognized Ruth Holmberg for her extraordinary support of the arts and cultural community in Chattanooga over 70 years. Since 2014, the annual award has honored Mrs. Holmberg with her name. Past recipients include Mai Bell Hurley, Fletcher Bright, Sonia Young, Booker T. Scruggs II, Alice L. Smith, Warren Barnett, Candy Kruesi, Ann Law, Mitch Patel, Hacker & Kitty Caldwell, Charlie & Iantha Newton, Dr. Roland Carter, Vincent Oakes, Peggy Wood Townsend, and Stan Townsend.
CELEBRATE ARTS LEADERSHIP
CELEBRATE ARTS LEADERSHIP
CELEBRATE ARTS LEADERSHIP
CELEBRATE ARTS LEADERSHIP
CELEBRATE ARTS LEADERSHIP
The 2025 Ruth Holmberg Arts Leadership Award recipients will be honored at a special awards reception hosted by ArtsBuild in early December, exclusively sponsored by EPB.
“The arts are powerful tools for change, and both Frances and John embody Ruth Holmberg’s spirit by using creativity to empower and uplift our community.”
DR. QUINCY JENKINS / BOARD CHAIR OF ARTSBUILD
MEET THE HONOREES
ARTS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Holmberg Arts Leadership Institute
The Holmberg Arts Leadership Institute is designed for residents of the greater Chattanooga area who share a passion for advancing and engaging with the arts in our community.
Launched in 2005 in memory of long-time board member and arts advocate A. William Holmberg, Jr., the annual Institute offers behind-the-scenes site visits to cultural and educational institutions, case studies of arts agencies, panel discussions with community leaders about current issues facing the arts community, and a unique forum for pursuing shared goals among arts leaders, business leaders, educators, and philanthropic foundations.
The Holmberg Institute provides many opportunities for networking and strengthens individual talents and skills needed to serve as volunteers, board members and fund raisers.
Contact Robyn Stringfellow at robyn@artsbuild.com for more information.
Apply Now
The application deadline for the 2025 class was Friday, June 13.
GALLERY
Celebrating 20 Years of the Holmberg Arts Leadership Institute
Want to Know More About Arts Leadership Opportunities?
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Want to Know More About Arts Leadership Opportunities?
Sign up for our e-newsletter and we will keep you informed.
Want to Know More About Arts Leadership Opportunities?
Sign up for our e-newsletter and we will keep you informed.
Want to Know More About Arts Leadership Opportunities?
Sign up for our e-newsletter and we will keep you informed.
Want to Know More About Arts Leadership Opportunities?
Sign up for our e-newsletter and we will keep you informed.
