Steve Hoffman named Arts Citizen of the Year
Published 9:44 am Thursday, February 1, 2024
The Danville Boyle County Arts Commission named Steve Hoffman as the 2023 Arts Citizen of the Year. He is the Executive Director of the Norton Center at Centre College.
The Arts Citizen of the Year award was initiated in 2004 by the Arts Commission to recognize an individual or individuals who have, throughout their careers, exhibited a commitment to the arts which has enriched us all.
The year 2023 marks the 20th Arts Citizen of the Year award. The Arts Commission Board is pleased to recognize Steve Hoffman for his many contributions to Danville and Boyle County, not only in his role as Executive Director of the Norton Center at Centre College, but his engagement in the community.
Hoffman’s career before coming to Danville included work in museums and cultural centers in California and South Dakota. Those experiences made him a perfect fit for the Norton Center and Centre College. His natural inclination is to view performances and the arts as tools to enrich and enhance life in the broader community.
The annual season at the Norton Center includes internationally recognized performers, new and innovative performance artists, a wide variety of multi-disciplinary arts programs, and multiple opportunities for young students to experience live theater.
Beyond his work at the Norton Center, Hoffman has served on several local boards, including the Gladys Project and the Art Center of the Bluegrass. He has served as co-chair of the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Boyle Arts and Culture Day.
Hoffman is not only an arts administrator, he is an artist. His photographs have been selected twice for the Governor’s Derby Art Exhibit at the Capitol.
Special Recognition: Norton Center
In addition to recognizing the Arts Citizen of the Year, the Arts Commission is also recognizing the Norton Center for 50 years of bringing world-class entertainment and diverse arts experiences to the local community.
The impact of the Norton Center in the cultural life of our immediate area can be felt beyond the stage. Collaborative programming, student access, and national recognition have benefited people beyond Centre College.
An awards presentation happened at the Danville City Commission meeting on Jan. 8.
In honor of Hoffman, the Arts Commission has made a contribution to the Norton Center’s Arts for the Classroom Ticket Subsidy program.
A list of all Arts Citizens of the Year from 2004 are as follows:
2004 Wilma Brown
2005 Jennifer Brummett
2006 Charlotte Henson
2007 Tom Baeker
2008 George Foreman
2009 Karen Logue
2010 George and Rodi Jackson
2011 Barbara Hall
2012 Barbara Reynierson
2013 Steve Meadows
2014 Joan Stansbury
2015 Jane Dewey
2016 Barbara Lockhart and Stuart Powell
2017 Michael Hughes
2018 Vince DiMartino
2019 Robby Henson and Heather Henson
2020 Liz Orndorff
2021 Gaynella McGuire and David Walden
2022 Madelyn Worley
2022 Special Recognition to Farmer’s Market
2023 Steve Hoffman
2023 Special Recognition to the Norton Center