Abstract:
Asheville was one of nine cities honored with the prestigious 2006 Awards for Municipal Excellence at the National League of Cities' Congress of Cities in Reno, Nevada, on December 8, 2006. The award recognizes cities that improve the quality of life in their communities. Asheville was the Gold winner in the 50,501-150,000 population category for its “Cultural Renaissance Arts Program.†This innovative summer and after-school arts and humanities program focuses on young people ages 8-15 and provides a platform to address social issues through theatrical productions, visual arts exhibits and dance recitals.