awards for arts achievement

For more than 25 years, Joan W. Harris has been on a mission: to prove the value of the arts in society and to fight for funding and respect for the arts in the state of Illinois. Her devotion to numerous civic and cultural groups and advocacy for their projects has had a lasting effect.

She is known for her service as commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs of the City of Chicago. From 1987–1989, Ms. Harris worked to emphasize Chicago's importance as a cultural center, not only on a national scale, but internationally as well. Taking advantage of existing theater, dance, and artistic entities, she worked diligently to promote the sometimes hidden cultural Chicago gems and fought vigorously to see that important programs were well funded.

She served as a panel member for the National Endowment for the Arts (1981–1985), was a trustee of the National Institute for Music Theater (1982–1987), was president of the Chicago Opera Theater (1977–1984), and served as president of the Illinois Arts Alliance. In 1990, she was appointed to serve on the Presidential Commission to advise Congress on the status and future of the National Endowment for the Arts. With knowledge of how the public and private sectors work with regard to the arts, she has served as a mediator between the two, helping ensure that the arts and government work together.

After receiving her bachelor's degree from Smith College, Ms. Harris went on to serve as a board member for several nonprofit organizations. She is currently the chairman of The Irving Harris Foundation. She serves as president, chair, director, or trustee of many Chicago-based and national cultural organizations, including the Aspen Music Festival and School, the Julliard School, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and The League of American Orchestras (formerly the American Symphony Orchestra League).