Dallas Arts Leaders Honored with Linz Award Amid Urgent Call for Support

UPDATE: The prestigious Linz Award was awarded to arts champions Linda Custard and Bess Enloe in a ceremony held in Dallas this October, recognizing their lifelong dedication to enriching the city’s cultural landscape. The event, led by Dallas Theater Center executive director Kevin Moriarty, emphasized the urgent need for community support for the arts.

In his moving speech, Moriarty drew parallels between the significance of theater in ancient Athens and today’s society, stating, “The arts cultivate empathy — that rare civic habit that allows us to relate to and understand each other, even if we disagree.” His words resonated deeply, highlighting the essential role of arts in fostering community connection during increasingly polarized times.

The ceremony not only celebrated Custard and Enloe’s contributions but also served as a rallying cry for Dallas residents to recommit to supporting the arts. Moriarty noted that, “In a time when loneliness and isolation are public health crises, the need for the arts has never been more urgent.”

Massachusetts has already taken significant steps in this direction by launching a groundbreaking social prescribing initiative, making it the first state to allow doctors to prescribe arts participation to combat loneliness and improve mental health. This initiative has shown remarkable results: 56% of patients reported decreased anxiety and depression after engaging in arts activities, while 74% noted reduced feelings of loneliness. The economic impact has been profound, with an estimated $300 million saved in healthcare costs.

Moriarty urged the community to view support for the arts not as charity, but as a civic responsibility. He emphasized the importance of sustaining the institutions that Custard and Enloe have championed, advocating for fair compensation for artists and proper funding for educational programs.

“The greatest tribute we can offer Linda and Bess is not our gratitude, but our action,” Moriarty stated.

He called on Dallas residents to invite the next generation into the arts, to commission vital stories, and to ensure that every citizen feels a sense of belonging in the cultural narrative of the city. “Ask yourself, ‘Who is not yet in the room, and how will we make room for them?’” he added, reinforcing the idea that inclusivity is key to a thriving arts community.

The Linz Award ceremony not only honored two remarkable women but also ignited a movement to prioritize the arts in Dallas. As the city navigates challenges of division and disconnection, the arts can serve as a beacon of hope and unity. The call to action is clear: support the arts, engage with your community, and help transform Dallas into a city that values creativity and collaboration.

As the conversation continues, residents are encouraged to share their thoughts and support through letters to the editor, ensuring that the dialogue around the arts remains vibrant and impactful.