David Mamet, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and two-time Oscar-nominated screenwriter and director will deliver the keynote address at The Dallas Institute’s 2008 Hiett Prize in the Humanities Award Dinner on Tuesday, April 8, at the Dallas Museum of Art.

The Hiett Prize is a unique $50,000 annual award created by The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture to recognize an emerging leader in the humanities.The winner will be announced on March 15.

WFAA-TV/Channel 8 film critic Gary Cogill is master of ceremonies for the 2008 event.Co-chairs are Pat Ann Dawson and Elise Murchison.Honorary chair is Caroline Rose Hunt.The evening begins at 6:00 pm with cocktails in the Atrium; the keynote by David Mamet and presentation of the Hiett Prize are at 7:00 pm in Horchow Auditorium; and dinner under the stars follows at 8:15 pm in the SculptureGarden.Individual tickets are $300 each.Sponsorship packages are available at the following levels:$20,000 Benefactor, $15,000 Underwriter, $10,000 Patron, and $5,000 Friend. For tickets and information, please call (214) 871-2440.