The Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of Arkansas Heritage, has announced that Eureka Springs Mayor Butch Berry will be the recipient of the 2025 Governor’s “Arts Community Development Award.”
Berry will be honored at a ceremony on March 7, 2025, at Robinson Center in Little Rock.
Since 1991, the annual awards program has recognized individuals, organizations and businesses for their outstanding contributions to the arts in Arkansas. Recipients are nominated by the public, then selected by an independent panel of arts professionals.
“The Governor’s Arts Awards are bestowed upon those who have helped build and strengthen Arkansas’ thriving creative communities,” said Shea Lewis, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “It’s our annual opportunity to showcase these leaders’ contributions to Arkansas’ creative economy and quality of life.”
“The best part of my job as mayor is to promote and showcase our many talented artists,” Berry said. “The Eureka Springs creative scene is one of the best in the country and I’m honored to accept the Governor’s Arts Award on behalf of all our artists.”
Berry is in his third fouryear term as the mayor of Eureka Springs.
“He is a third-generation native of Carroll County and understands the importance of advocating and nurturing the arts in Arkansas’ first authentic arts village,” the Arkansas Arts Council said in a news release announcing the award. “The Eureka Springs arts scene has benefited greatly because of his consistency in office. Under Berry’s leadership, the town has received national and international recognition as a premiere arts destination by multiple publications, including Southern Living and Travel + Leisure.
“With Mayor Berry’s active participation on the Eureka Springs Arts Council, over 34 new public art installations have been added throughout the city, as well as the Harmon Park Art Trail. A minimum of two new public art installations created by local artists will be added each year since securing dedicated funding from the city’s Advertising and Promotion Commission.
“Eureka Springs is one of Arkansas’ top tourism destinations, known for its quirky and diverse arts scene. Berry’s initiatives and support have been instrumental in attracting 1.5 million visitors a year and the financial benefits that come with cultural tourism.”
