Kim Cook is president and CEO of the Arts Council of New Orleans. In this podcast, Cook describes what her responsibilities entail and explains why art is such an important part of New Orleans. Cook is particularly excited about the upcoming 37th Annual Community Arts Awards that will take place Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013, at the Contemporary Arts Center. The opening speaker will be Dr. Karen DeSalvo, the public health commissioner for the City of New Orleans. Dr. DeSalvo will talk about the direct relationship between art and health. Popular TV news anchor Norman Robinson will be the MC for the evening. The Community Arts Awards is open to the public; visit ArtsCouncilofNewOrleans.org to learn more.

Listen to the podcast here.