Dallas Arts Leaders Honored with Linz Award for Civic Impact

UPDATE: The prestigious Linz Award was awarded to Linda Custard and Bess Enloe this October for their unwavering commitment to championing the arts in Dallas. Their contributions have been recognized as vital in cultivating a more empathetic and connected community.

During the award ceremony, Dallas Theater Center Executive Director Kevin Moriarty delivered a stirring speech emphasizing the essential role of the arts in civic life. He highlighted how, throughout history, theater has served as a crucial tool for fostering understanding and dialogue among citizens.

In his address, Moriarty referenced the ancient Greeks, who placed theater at the heart of democracy, declaring that art is indispensable for nurturing empathy, particularly in today’s polarized environment. He quoted Shakespeare’s warning that those devoid of music and art are untrustworthy, underscoring the urgency of artistic engagement.

Custard and Enloe have transformed Dallas into not just a hub of business but a vibrant center of imagination and creativity. Their efforts have ensured that the arts are not a luxury but a necessity for mental health and community wellness. As Moriarty stressed, “art is essential to life,” affirming a growing recognition of its impact on public health.

Recent initiatives in Massachusetts reinforce this belief, where the state became the first to launch a social prescribing initiative. This program allows physicians to prescribe participation in the arts to combat loneliness and enhance mental well-being. Early results show a 56% decrease in anxiety and depression among patients and a 74% reduction in feelings of loneliness, showcasing the transformative power of art.

The initiative is not just about individual benefits; it has led to nearly $300 million in savings from reduced hospital visits and has potentially avoided about 2,000 preventable deaths. These statistics highlight the urgent need for arts support as a civic responsibility.

Moriarty called on the community to honor Custard and Enloe not only with gratitude but with action. He urged Dallas residents to sustain local arts institutions and to engage in the vital work of using art to heal and connect.

“We must ensure that the arts are the birthright of every citizen in our democracy,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in artistic spaces. He challenged the community to ask, “Who is not yet in the room, and how will we make room for them?” This question is central to promoting diverse voices and experiences in the arts.

The Linz Award ceremony serves as a rallying cry for Dallas to deepen its commitment to the arts, as we navigate a time marked by isolation and division. The call to action is clear: support the institutions that strengthen our cultural fabric and create opportunities for connection and understanding through art.

As Dallas moves forward, let us celebrate the legacies of Linda Custard and Bess Enloe by embracing the arts as a means to foster community, empathy, and resilience in challenging times. The work of culture is not only necessary; it is urgent.

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