Summerlin resident to receive award for arts advocacy

Friday, Sept. 26, 2008 | midnight

Courtesy Photo

Julie Gilday-Shaffer

Summerlin resident Julie Gilday-Shaffer knows that having an art-enriched community doesn’t just happen. It takes work, dedication and a passion for the arts. It also takes money.

Ten years ago, she started volunteering for Nevada Arts Advocates because she liked how the organization focuses on how to keep arts in a community: through funding.

She has served as an event adviser to the NAA board for major projects and has worked with state legislators to make sure that when funding or cuts are being considered, that arts stays in the process.

Her contributions will be recognized as she is awarded the Nevada Arts Advocates 10th Annual Advocacy Award Oct. 4 at Red Rock Resort.

As president and managing partner of R&R Live, she produces live events for businesses. As a volunteer, she does the same thing for nonprofit organizations to promote local artistry.

The NAA doesn’t get involved with a specific art organization, but encourages all arts in the community. The goal of the award is to recognize those who enhance access to arts through public awareness, advocacy and outreach. Past honorees include former Nevada governor and senator Richard Bryan, Mayor Oscar Goodman, KNPR Public Radio, Nevada Arts Council and state sen. Dina Titus.

As a 1976 graduate of Bishop Gorman, Gilday-Shaffer said she has been grateful to be able to give back to the community. The project she’s working on now is coordinating an event for The Public Education Foundation where performers from the Strip and elementary and middle school students perform together.

“It’s been very satisfying as a volunteer and supporting different programs like the Las Vegas Academy,” she said. “As a connector, I connect different schools or theater organizations to what’s happening in business.”

Jenny Davis can be reached at 990-8921 or jenny.davis@hbcpub.com.