Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill Receives National Arts Leadership Award
Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill has received the Public Leadership in the Arts Award from Americans for the Arts, a national honor recognizing elected officials who demonstrate leadership in advancing the arts and arts education, according to a news release.
The award was supported by local and state organizations, including the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, the Oxford-Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, and the Mississippi Arts Commission. Tannehill’s leadership emphasizes a community development approach that views the arts as essential to planning and growth.
Her tenure includes notable achievements such as founding the Double Decker Arts Festival in 1996, which now attracts more than 100,000 visitors over two days, boosting Oxford’s economy. She also supported the expansion of the Powerhouse Arts Center into a creative incubator with maker spaces, residencies, and mentorship programs.
Tannehill championed public art initiatives, including murals and a public art trail, transforming parks and city spaces into cultural venues. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led the ‘Shelter Show’ project, featuring local artists creating artwork for bus stop shelters.
The mayor’s efforts extend to supporting creative startups and fostering cross-sector partnerships through the Chamber’s Leadership Program. In 2024, she received a Medal for the Arts from the University of Mississippi for her community contributions.
Wayne Andrews, executive director of the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, praised Tannehill’s impact, noting her role in securing grants and expanding arts facilities in Oxford. “She inspired others to see the arts as vital for community retention and growth,” Andrews said.
Tannehill expressed humility about the award, thanking her partners and the community for their support. “Together, we’ve proven that investing in creativity drives cultural vitality and economic success,” she stated.
Americans for the Arts awards the Public Leadership in the Arts Award to individuals who advocate for arts legislation, funding, and promotion. Tannehill’s initiatives have helped establish Oxford as a vibrant hub for arts and culture.
Source: Original Article