and Pluralism in the U.S. Visual Arts, "Nancy Hanks perhaps was able to accomplish her mission because she functioned as a type of benevolent art dictator rather than mucking with multiple agendas and political red-tape. From 1969 through 1977, under Hanks' administration, the Arts Endowment functioned like a fine piece of oiled machinery. Hanks continuously obtained the requested essential appropriations from Congress because of her genius in implementing the power of the lobby system. Although she had not had direct administrative experience in the federal government, some people were skeptical at the beginning of her term. Those in doubt underestimated her bureaucratic astuteness and her ability to direct this complex cultural office. Richard Nixon's early endorsement of the arts benefited the Arts Endowment in several ways. The budget for the Arts Endowment not only increased but also more federal funding became available and numerous programs within the agency." The American Association of Museums established an award in her honor. The award recognizes a specific achievement that has benefited either the honoree’s home institution or the museum field in general. The cited achievement may be in any area of a museum’s operation: administration, exhibitions, education, public relations, registration, collections management, or development. Alternatively, the accomplishment may benefit the museum field generally (for instance, a development plan, membership plan, exhibition design, or collection policy that can serve as a model for other museums). Nominees for this award must have less than ten years in the museum field. An act of the United States Congress honored Hanks by designating the newly renovated Old Post Office in Washington, D.C. The Nancy Hanks Center, in recognition of her enduring contributions to the arts. Hanks was not reappointed under Jimmy Carter and lost support from leaders of state and local art groups. The groups grew irritated that she had neglected the working relationships between federal and state agencies, and thought that she gave herself too much power. On January 7, 1983, Nancy Hanks died of cancer at the age of 55 in New York City. See also Women in the art history field References Further reading Straight, Michael. Nancy Hanks: an intimate portrait: the creation of a national commitment to the arts. (1988) Nancy Hanks was NEA Chairman 1969-77. King,Elaine A. "Pluralism in the Visual Arts In the United States, 1965-1978: The National Endowment for the Arts, and Influential Force"' (Ph.D. Dissertation, Northwestern University, 1986). NEA.