Brown has received many accolades from local arts organizations, a tribute showing that the arts build communities and help areas revitalize and prosper.

"Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown has an outstanding track record on supporting arts-related issues on the federal level, and we are delighted that he is receiving the Congressional Arts Leadership Award. As a testimony to his commitment to the arts, Senator Brown recently visited several cultural organizations in Northwest Ohio to deepen his understanding of how the arts impact both economic and workforce development and the quality of life for his constituents.  The arts are fortunate to have the Senator as a champion, and we congratulate him on this prestigious award," said Marc D. Folk, president, Ohio Citizens for the Arts.

"Sen. Brown has certainly been very supportive of public broadcasting and our role in showcasing artists of all genres to the American public through PBS and local programming efforts," said Tom Rieland, general manager, WOSU.

"Columbus' arts community is thriving thanks to Sen. Sherrod Brown, and other leaders, who actively champion the arts in Ohio. I am so proud to live in a community that recognizes the value of entwining art into our everyday experiences. It's part of what makes Ohio great," said arts advocate Judith Oppenheimer of Bexley, Ohio.

"I am so pleased that Sen. Sherrod Brown is receiving the National Award for Congressional Arts Leadership from Americans for the Arts this year. This is a much-deserved recognition of Senator Brown’s strong support of and belief in the power of the arts to transform lives and revitalize our communities.  Sen. Brown has also always understood that the arts are part of a well-rounded education for our children and an integral component to a strong workforce and a diversified national economy," said Julie Henahan, executive director, Ohio Arts Council.

“Sen. Brown has demonstrated his commitment to building and maintaining thriving communities through his support of the National Endowment for the Arts and commitment to education,” said Columbus Museum of Art Executive Director Nannette V. Maciejunes.

"Sen. Brown is a good friend and a long-tenured supporter of arts and culture, starting with his time in the Ohio House of Representatives in the mid-1970s. The entire state and nation has benefited from his dedication to arts and arts education," said Bill Blair, legislative counsel, Ohio Citizens for the Arts.

The senator’s nomination for this award was also supported by Barbara Robinson, the chairwoman of the Ohio Arts Council for 14 years, who is now its chair emeritus and an Americans for the Arts board member.