City of Asylum/Pittsburgh is one of five programs nationwide to receive an honorable mention in the 2009 MetLife Innovative Space Awards.

"We were recognized for our writer-residency program on Sampsonia Way and for the way we have integrated the program into the deep fabric of the community," City of Asylum founder Henry Reese said.

The award "recognizes, rewards and promotes successful artist space development projects that exhibit innovation, affordability for artists, sustainability and community impact."

The grand prize went to the Curley School in Ajo, Ariz. The other programs receiving honorable mention include Carnegie Center in Lexington, Ky.; Open Book 2.0 in Minneapolis; Soo Theatre and STARS in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.; and Watts House Project in Los Angeles.

The award is part of a grant program of Leveraging Investments in Creativity -- LINC -- in partnership with MIT and in collaboration with the Ford Foundation. In addition to national recognition and technical assistance from LINC to further its program, City of Asylum also will receive a $10,000 grant.

First Published: December 17, 2009, 5:00 a.m.