MTC, HOLA Receive Governor's Arts Awards

Manhattan Theatre Club and the Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors (HOLA) are among the recipients of the 2002 Governor's Arts Awards, distributed Mon., Nov. 18 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Established by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1966, the awards celebrate outstanding individuals in the arts as well as important and distinguished arts organizations. Nominations for the awards are made by the public, selected by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), and ultimately confirmed by the governor. At this year's ceremony, Governor George E. Pataki was joined by actor Sam Waterston, who served as Master of Ceremonies, and Richard J. Schwartz, chairman of NYSCA.

"Tonight we pay tribute to the extraordinary artists, individuals, and cultural institutions whose contributions to the cultural, aesthetic, and economic well-being of all New Yorkers are truly exceptional," said Schwartz. "The 2002 Governor's Arts Awards recipients are exceptional representatives of the diversity of New York State's artistic community."

In all, 11 awards were distributed, including honors to: the American Museum of the Moving Image; the Arts Council of Buffalo and Erie County; the Bardavon 1869 Opera House; the Center for Arts and Education; H.T. Chen & Dancers; former State Senator Roy M. Goodman; photographer, filmmaker, and writer Gordon Parks; the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra; and noted gallery director Douglas G. Schultz.

Founded in 1970, Manhattan Theatre Club, with over 20,000 subscribers, is one of the largest nonprofit theatre groups in New York City. Under the longtime leadership of Artistic Director Lynne Meadow and Executive Producer Barry Grove, MTC shows have won 11 Tonys, three Pulitzers, and 40 Obies. This week, in addition, MTC announced it has raised $26 million of the $35 million needed to finish the renovation of Broadway's Biltmore Theatre, the company's first Main Stem toehold. The theatre is slated to open next fall with a new play by Terrence McNally.

Founded in 1976, HOLA is a membership-based nonprofit arts service organization committed to "exploring and expanding available avenues for projecting Hispanic artists and their culture" into the mainstream of the entertainment industry. Their range of services includes a talent referral program and directory, a quarterly newsletter, telephone hotline, professional counseling services, and workshops and seminars.

The 2002 Governor's Arts Awards were handed out by New York State First Lady Libby Pataki; Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate Levin; and a list of celebrities that included Christine Baranski, Avery Brooks, Kitty Carlisle Hart, Bill Irwin, Linda Lavin, Rita Moreno, Estelle Parsons, and Jimmy Smits.