Dubuque Times

The Dubuque City Council recognized a municipal employee for receiving an award during a meeting held on March 6.

Dubuque Arts and Cultural Affairs Director Jenni Petersen-Brant was recognized by the Council for receiving a "2023 Arts Award" from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds (R), who gives awards each year through the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. The awards are in categories including the following: "Art Learning" for engaging with K-12 students; "Art Legacy" for leaving a significant influence in their community through art; and "Arts Service" for an organization that has made a large impact on the presence and health of the arts in their community. The 2023 line of awards considered the actions of people and organizations from July 1, 2020, to November 2022.

Iowa Arts Council administrator David Schmitz attended the meeting virtually to briefly speak about Petersen-Brant and her award.

"I think Jenni's star shone the brightest over the last three years when Dubuque really needed her, along with Jill and the entire team to step up and really lead and find resources and apply that creativity to help the arts and culture sector during a very difficult time, Jenni met that moment and then some. It was noted last week that Dubuque is the, I believe, smallest community in the country to receive the National Endowment for the Arts American Rescue Plan funding, one of the very few communities to really receive that type of investment. And that's due in large part to Jenni's leadership in identifying those resources."

Dubuque Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee chair Nicholas Halder also spoke about Petersen-Brant's work ethic and dedication to both the arts and the Dubuque community. He commended her work in collaborating and supporting arts efforts with new community partners and members.

Petersen-Brant addressed the Council, thanking them for the honor of providing her with her role for several years. She added that she hopes that arts and culture can continue to support Dubuque's healing and growth.

"I just believe so wholeheartedly in arts and culture and what it can do for communities," Petersen-Brant said. "So, I thank the fellow city staff who I've worked with and built relationships with to the Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission and to the organizations and the creatives in this community who have had the pleasure of working alongside them. And I thank the City Council for your just investment and your prioritization and the vision that you have for arts and culture being a strong part of what makes Dubuque an awesome place to live."