Oxford Mayor Set to Receive Prestigious Medal for the Arts in Recognition of Her Cultural Advocacy

Oxford Mayor Honored with Medal for the Arts

Oxford, Mississippi, is bustling with excitement as the University of Mississippi’s Institute for the Arts prepares to honor none other than Mayor Robyn Tannehill with the prestigious Medal for the Arts. This illustrious recognition, which celebrates excellence in the arts and arts advocacy, will be awarded at a special ceremony on April 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the stunning Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts.

A Celebration of Creativity

The award ceremony, which promises to be a delightful evening, will feature various musical performances from both Ole Miss faculty and students, visual art installations, and even a short film that captures Tannehill’s inspiring life journey. The event is produced in collaboration with the university’s Living Music Resource, ensuring a lively and memorable artistic showcase.

Transforming Oxford into an Arts Hub

Robyn Tannehill is no stranger to promoting the arts in Oxford. Back in 1996, while she was the director of the Oxford Tourism Council, she successfully created the Double Decker Arts Festival. This annual festival has grown to become a beloved celebration of music, food, and creativity, attracting around 70,000 visitors to downtown Oxford over just two days. It’s safe to say that Tannehill’s passion and commitment have placed Oxford firmly on the regional and national arts calendars.

Nancy Maria Balach, chair of the Department of Music and director of the Institute for the Arts, praised Tannehill’s impact on Oxford, stating, “Robyn Tannehill has been instrumental in the transformation of the city of Oxford into an arts scene, placing Oxford and the state of Mississippi on a national scale.” According to Balach, Tannehill’s efforts have not only enhanced the visibility of the arts but have also had a significant economic impact on the community.

Belief in the Power of Public Art

Tannehill, who is a proud graduate of the UM Department of Art and Art History, believes in the transformative power of public art. “Investing in art and culture is an investment in the creativity of the city itself,” she shared. Her vision regards cultural impact as just as crucial as economic and environmental considerations when it comes to local development.

She highlighted a couple of initiatives that illustrate her commitment to arts engagement, such as “the Shelter Show,” where local artists adorned bus stop shelters with their creations during the COVID pandemic, and a variety of stunning outdoor murals and sculptures that have beautified the city. “Public art is a powerful tool for building better cities,” Tannehill remarked, pointing out how such creative endeavors foster community engagement and social bonds.

A Deep-rooted Love for the Arts

Tannehill’s love affair with art began at a young age, painting with her grandfather, a skilled oil painter. Throughout her life, she has embraced creativity as a vital form of comfort. “During stressful times, my greatest relief comes from being creative,” she noted. Her career journey flows through various roles, from establishing the Double Decker Arts Festival to working in graphic design and volunteering to teach art in her children’s classrooms.

The Third Recipient of an Esteemed Award

Robyn Tannehill will join an impressive list of past winners of the Medal for the Arts. The inaugural award in 2022 was presented posthumously to the celebrated songwriter Jim Weatherly, a former Ole Miss alumnus, followed by the award in 2023 to Glen Ballard, a renowned songwriter and record producer.

“Presenting the Medal for the Arts to Robyn is a wonderful way to celebrate the partnership between the university and Oxford,” said Brady Bramlett, director of development and co-creator of the Medal for the Arts. “They would not exist without each other.”

Join the Celebration!

This momentous event is open for all, with tickets priced at $20 for the general public and just $5 for Ole Miss faculty, staff, and students. Tickets can be purchased at the UM Box Office in the Ford Center, online, or over the phone. It promises to be a glorious night of art, performance, and community spirit, as Oxford continues to flourish as a vibrant cultural destination under Tannehill’s exceptional leadership.