When it comes to leadership in the arts, very few people can claim the kind of enduring, steadfast impact had by Joan Shigekawa and Dr. Mariko Silver. For the better part of this century, Shigekawa and Dr. Silver have helped lead some of the nation’s most prominent cultural institutions, from the National Endowment for the Arts to Lincoln Center (respectively)—they also happen to be mother and daughter.

Earlier this week, both Dr. Silver and Shigekawa were honored at A4’s annual fundraiser alongside Padma Lakshmi and Yao King. Introduced by Christine Kuan, president & executive director of Creative Capital Foundation, Dr. Silver and Shigekawa were awarded the inaugural Legacy of Leadership Award, which recognizes their extraordinary contributions to the arts.