Dallas Arts Leaders Honored as Community’s Healing Force

UPDATE: The prestigious Linz Award was awarded to arts champions Linda Custard and Bess Enloe in a heartfelt ceremony earlier this month, recognizing their profound impact on the Dallas community. Dallas Theater Center executive director Kevin Moriarty delivered a stirring speech that resonated deeply with attendees, emphasizing the essential role of the arts in today’s society.

The award presentation, held in October 2023, highlighted how Custard and Enloe have tirelessly championed the arts, transforming Dallas into not just a hub of business, but a vibrant center of imagination and cultural expression. Their work is particularly poignant in an era marked by increasing loneliness and division across the nation.

Moriarty pointed out that the arts are not merely for entertainment; they are vital for civic engagement and understanding. “The arts cultivate empathy — that rare civic habit that allows us to relate to and understand each other, even if we disagree,” he stated, reinforcing that this is not just a luxury, but a necessity in polarized times.

The urgent need for arts engagement is underscored by recent initiatives nationwide. Massachusetts has pioneered a groundbreaking social prescribing initiative, allowing doctors to prescribe arts participation to combat loneliness and improve mental health. The results are staggering: 56% of participants reported reduced anxiety and depression, while 74% saw a decrease in feelings of loneliness. This program has potentially saved the state nearly $300 million in healthcare costs due to fewer emergency visits and hospital admissions.

In light of these findings, Moriarty urged Dallas residents to view supporting the arts as a civic responsibility. “If art is essential to health, belonging, and a sustainable democracy, then supporting it is not charity — it’s civic duty,” he declared.

The call to action is clear. Dallas must sustain the institutions that Custard and Enloe have fortified, ensuring that artists are compensated fairly and that future generations are invited into the arts community. This includes making room for diverse voices and stories that challenge the status quo.

As Dallas celebrates the achievements of these two remarkable women, citizens are encouraged to reflect on how they can contribute to the cultural landscape. “Every time you enter a theater, ask: ‘Who is not yet in the room, and how will we make room for them?’” Moriarty urged.

The legacy of Linda Custard and Bess Enloe is not just in the accolades they receive, but in the lasting impact of their work on the community. Their commitment to fostering a thriving arts scene in Dallas serves as a reminder that a vibrant culture is essential for a strong democracy.

As the Dallas community rallies around these arts leaders, it’s clear that their vision will continue to inspire and heal, transforming neighbors into engaged citizens and audiences into connected communities.