Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer has been recognized with the 2025 Public Leadership in the Arts Award, presented by Americans for the Arts during the 93rd Winter Meeting of The United States Conference of Mayors in Washington, DC.

The Public Leadership in the Arts Awards, established in 1997, honor elected officials who champion the arts in their communities.  

Mayor Manheimer’s advocacy for the arts took on even greater significance following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Recognizing the arts as a cornerstone of the region’s identity and economy, Mayor Manheimer has prioritized their role in recovery efforts. In November 2024, she was appointed to lead the Rebuilding Western North Carolina Advisory Committee, where she integrated arts and culture into strategies for rebuilding the region.  

In December 2024, she invited ArtsAVL leadership to address the North Carolina Metropolitan Mayors Conference, spotlighting the critical role of arts in community resilience.   

Source: ArtAVL.