The Art of Advocating

ArtsNow and Oberlin Center for the Arts are hosting legislative council for Ohio Citizens for the Arts – Van Meter, Ashbrook & Associates.

About this Event
Join ArtsNow and Oberlin Center for the Arts as we host Van Meter, Ashbrook & Associates, legislative council for Ohio Citizens for the Arts. Van Meter will provide an overview of best practices in advocating for our arts and culture sector and answer questions.

Registration is free, but required as virtual seats are limited! Don’t miss out! The session is scheduled for July 15th at 1pm and can be viewed from July 16th on ArtsNow’s YouTube Channel.

Who should attend: Anyone and everyone who cares about advocating for arts and culture!

Speakers

Robert F. Klaffky, President – Van Meter, Ashbrook & Associates

Robert F. Klaffky is the President of Van Meter, Ashbrook & Associates. When he joined the firm in 1986, he was instrumental in fashioning its unique and highly successful approach to enhancing the political action programs of some of the firm’s largest corporate clients. In that process, Mr. Klaffky conducted over 500 political education seminars around the country, training approximately 15,000 individuals in civic involvement, campaign strategies, issue advocacy, and community engagement.

In addition to directing the firm’s legislative and executive agency lobbying, Mr. Klaffky has also developed a successful practice in grassroots public affairs campaigns. He has managed complicated and diverse coalitions for corporate public affairs, issue advocacy, and statewide ballot issues.

Prior to joining VAA, Mr. Klaffky worked in the Ohio legislature in varying capacities for the Ohio Senate Republican Caucus. Mr. Klaffky’s practical campaign experience spans local, state and federal elections, having worked on his first political campaign over 35 years ago. He has developed a particular expertise in formulating creative earned media campaigns for his clients and friends. He has served as a key advisor to numerous candidates for public office including Ohio statewide office holders, a significant number of state legislators, and many county and municipal officials throughout the state of Ohio. Most recently he advised the presidential campaign of Ohio Governor John Kasich. Mr. Klaffky directed the governor’s debate prep for all 12 of the nationally televised presidential debates during the primaries. He also assisted in the preparations for major speeches and appearances.

Mr. Klaffky has served as a board member of the Franklin Park Conservatory, a leading cultural institution in Central Ohio and currently serves on the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board, where he was appointed by the Governor to the sole public member position.

Angela P. Meleca, Executive Director, Ohio Citizens for the Arts

Angela P. Meleca is Executive Director for Ohio Citizens for the Arts (OCA), a member-driven, not-for-profit, grassroots arts advocacy organization working to benefit the citizens of Ohio. OCA is the only statewide organization that advocates for increased funding and public support for arts and culture across Ohio. Meleca comes to OCA with more than 25 years of experience in journalism, politics, public relations/marketing, and the arts.

Before joining OCA, Meleca was the Founder of Angela Meleca Gallery, a contemporary art gallery located in downtown Columbus. The gallery was active in elevating and transforming arts and culture in Central Ohio through connecting individual artists, arts advocates, and arts organizations.

Before her career in the arts, Meleca was a political journalist and press secretary for the Ohio Senate Majority Caucus. She has extensive experience in communications, media, and public relations.

The Columbus, Ohio native earned her B.A. from The Ohio State University with a concentration in Political Science and Journalism. Her professional affiliations include serving on the Wexner Center for the Arts Donor Circle Council, Columbus Museum of Development Committee, Columbus College of Art and Design Guest Lecturer and Student Mentor Program, and the Dublin Arts Council Board of Directors.