Speakers at Governor's Mansion awards urged more funding and access for the arts

Speakers at the Governor's Mansion Artist Awards used the ceremony to press for broader arts access and funding. Emily Christianson McPhee told the audience that "art is not a luxury" but "foundational to the health and well-being of society itself," and the First Lady and governor echoed calls for philanthropy and public support.

Governor Spencer Cox referenced historical and civic rationales for supporting the arts, citing an excerpt attributed to John Adams and recalling that the state was an early adopter of public purchases of art. The governor invoked "STEAM" (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) as a justification for preserving and funding arts education and asked attendees to continue philanthropic support so "our kids and grandkids can study music and art and poetry and philosophy." Hosts also thanked donors and encouraged attendees to visit the mansion's collection and support local arts nonprofits.

Event organizers and awardees emphasized that selection criteria for the awards include mentorship and community-building in addition to artistic skill. While speakers offered examples of arts'related benefits and organizational reach, specific funding proposals, budget figures and sources were not presented during the program.