For immediate release: Oct. 3, 2024
Contact: David Warren
Administrative and Communications Manager
Telephone: 207-992-4204
Email: david.warren@bangormaine.gov
Bangor Arts Award given to artist with ties to theater in the City
BANGOR, Maine – An artist with deep ties to the theater in Bangor was named the recipient of the 2024 Bangor Arts Award, which was presented in conjunction with the kickoff this month of ARTober.
The City's Commission on Cultural Development announced that Ben Layman received the annual award during an event held this week at Chimera Coffee, 24 Broad St.
"Ben is a familiar face around town through his involvement with the Penobscot Theatre and Ten Bucks Theatre, and he is also a talented artist," according to Nina Earley, chair of the City's Commission on Cultural Development. "His work teaching performance to our City's youth at the Penobscot Theatre has had an incredibly positive impact on many lives."
Layman was chosen by volunteer jurors from among a talented pool of nearly 20 nominees, which is the most nominations the commission has received for the award.
"We are very excited to recognize him and all the nominees who spend their time making Bangor a welcoming, inclusive and more beautiful place," Earley said.
ARTober is an opportunity to showcase the creative work by Bangor’s arts community and remind residents of the many opportunities to enjoy the arts in the City.
ARTober began in 2015 with the City designating October as the “Month of the Arts.” The month is dedicated to showcasing the City’s rich and varied artists and art organizations. The Bangor Arts Award is given to a person or entity that embodies or supports the vitality and creativity of Bangor’s arts community. The recognition also comes with a $1,000 cash award.
The commission accepts grant applications from artists and nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, and the next round of applications will be received in the spring, with an April 1 deadline.
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The City of Bangor, Maine, is a service center community of 31,753 residents and is the county seat of Penobscot County. Bangor is the major commercial and cultural center for much of northern and eastern Maine. The City is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. For information on City projects and news, see www.bangormaine.gov.