NASHVILLE, TN -- "Creative License," the Tennessee Arts Commission funded broadcast media project, was recently recognized with a 2010 Regional Emmy Award.
"Creative License" is a series of television specials about the arts, stories about the unique people who create art, and places and groups where the arts are central to everyday life. The program airs on PBS stations across Tennessee.
The award was presented during the 25th Annual Midsouth Regional Emmy Award Gala, held on January 29, 2011 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville. This year's nearly 700 entries resulted in nominations for 70 companies in 72 categories.
The "Creative License" television special received the award in the Arts category. The show receiving the award featured a story on a young African-American man in Memphis, from a tough inner city neighborhood, talking enthusiastically about his decision to study ballet at the New Ballet Ensemble and School. Another story featured Erin Brady Worsham, an artist who paints with a computer even though she is paralyzed by Lou Gehrig's disease.
"These incredible stories focus on the human element, and how the arts have made a difference in the lives of individuals featured in the stories," said Rich Boyd, executive director of the Tennessee Arts Commission. "This award certainly speaks to the quality and creativity of the production, and it's gratifying to see the artists featured in Creative License receive the recognition they deserve, and to have their stories shared with others across the state is truly inspiring."
"Creative License" grew out of the Commission's Public Awareness Campaign, with the television specials produced in partnership with the Renaissance Center in Dickson.
Accepting the award for "Creative License" was Senior Producer Steve Hall. "Working with the Tennessee Arts Commission has been extremely rewarding for us," said Hall. "As a team, we've had an opportunity to develop dynamic television specials to entertain and inform the people of our state about the incredible artists who work and live among us. The Emmy Award is simply a reflection of the hard work and passion for excellence we share with the Commission. We are grateful for their support and friendship. The series of television specials is simply an extension of a great relationship developed over the years between the Arts Commission and the Renaissance Center."
The Renaissance Center received three Emmy Awards. In addition to the award for "Creative License," they won in the Magazine Series category for "Tennessee's Wild Side," a family-oriented outdoor adventure show, and Photojournalist/Editor Barry Cross won in the Editor/Program (composite) category.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is a non-profit, professional organization dedicated to fostering excellence in television. The academy has 19 chapters with 15,000 members nationwide. The Nashville/Midsouth Region encompasses the States of North Carolina (except Asheville) and Tennessee, and the television market of Huntsville, Alabama.
The Tennessee Arts Commission was created in 1967, and it was given a special mandate by the General Assembly to stimulate and encourage the presentation of performing, visual and literary arts throughout the state and to encourage public interest in the cultural heritage of Tennessee. Through a variety of programs, the Commission has encouraged excellence in artistic expression through the state's artists and arts organizations. That commitment has continued to expand through the years to ensure that the citizens of Tennessee have access to, and the opportunity to participate in the arts. www.arts.state.tn.us
The Renaissance Center is a state-of-the-art facility for fine arts, performing arts, media production, technology and education located about 35 miles from downtown Nashville in Dickson, Tennessee. www.rcenter.org
