Arts Leaders Linda Custard and Bess Enloe Honored in Dallas

UPDATE: The city of Dallas has just honored two remarkable arts leaders, Linda Custard and Bess Enloe, with the prestigious Linz Award for their lifelong dedication to championing the arts. The award ceremony, held in October 2023, was marked by an inspiring speech from Kevin Moriarty, executive director of the Dallas Theater Center, who emphasized the vital role of the arts in fostering community and empathy.

As society grapples with increasing polarization and loneliness, the contributions of Custard and Enloe resonate more than ever. “The arts are essential to life,” Moriarty proclaimed, urging attendees to recognize that supporting arts is not merely an act of charity, but a civic responsibility.

Amid a backdrop of public health crises stemming from isolation and division, the arts are proving to be a powerful remedy. Massachusetts has pioneered a groundbreaking initiative allowing healthcare providers to prescribe arts participation. Initial results show that 56% of patients felt a reduction in anxiety and depression, while 74% reported decreased feelings of loneliness, leading to an estimated savings of nearly $300 million in reduced hospital visits.

The acknowledgment of Custard and Enloe serves as a rallying cry for Dallas to continue investing in the arts. “It’s not just about the visible legacy—it’s about revealing who we are,” Moriarty stated, highlighting the deeper impact of artistic endeavors in transforming lives and communities.

As the need for connection grows, the arts stand at the forefront of healing and unifying. The call to action is clear: support the institutions that maintain these vital cultural spaces, ensure fair compensation for artists, and engage the next generation in the mission of creativity and connection.

The legacy of Linda Custard and Bess Enloe is not just their accolades, but the ongoing work of inviting every citizen into the cultural fold. As Dallas moves forward, the challenge remains: “Who is not yet in the room, and how will we make room for them?”

This tribute emphasizes the dual role of the arts in cultivating both greatness and goodness within the community. As we honor these leaders, let us commit to the essential work of culture, transforming neighbors into engaged citizens and audiences into supportive communities.

For more insights and to share your thoughts, readers are encouraged to participate in ongoing discussions about the arts and their impact on our lives.