The Utah Arts Council awarded Layton City and Mayor Steve Curtis for Community Leadership in the Arts, the 2009 Governor’s Leadership Arts Awards.

Layton City and Mayor Steve Curtis demonstrate a significant dedication to the arts as a tool for social well-being and economic development. By donating office space and securing funding for the Davis Arts Council, creating and maintaining the Kenley Amphitheatre, demonstrating a personal dedication to area arts programs, and generating an arts-in-recreation collaboration called Arts in the Park, Layton City government is increasing the quality of life experienced by Layton residents and generating added incentives to attract new business,

For all his efforts, and the work done by the city, Mayor Curtis was rewarded and honored by The Utah Arts Council and his peers.

Other recipients were, Alice Perreault for Support of Children Through the Arts, NeighborWorks® Salt Lake for Organization Leadership, and Anne Cullimore Decker for Individual Merit and Leadership.

The Governor’s awards were initiated in 1980, in order to highlight residents and businesses throughout Utah that worked deligently in contributing to the development of a superior artistic life experience. The Luncheon that is held annually for the arts awards was held May 7, 2009, at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center in West Valley City.

"I was very moved" by the award, proclaimed Mayor Steve Curtis emotionally after viewing the slide show of him at the Luncheon just before he was presented his award on stage. "This award means a lot to me and what I stand for,” he added.