Ohio Citizens for the Arts Foundation is excited to present the “2021 Creative Ohio Advocacy Summit,” a three-day virtual event that will set the stage for arts and creative advocacy in 2021 and beyond. Through training, communication, and celebration, we hope to energize and unite advocates across the state who believe that the creative industry is essential to Ohio’s economy, education, and civic life. The Advocacy Summit will feature keynote speakers, performances from Ohio artists and arts & culture organizations, and advocacy training that will equip and mobilize the grassroots base in support of a creative Ohio.

We’ll kick off the summit with morning sessions on Monday featuring a keynote address from Cindy Foley, Executive Deputy Director for Learning and Experience at Columbus Museum of Art, and a presentation from Randy Cohen, Vice President of Research at Americans for the Arts.

On Tuesday morning, Torrie Allen, President & CEO of Arts Midwest, will join us for a conversation, followed by an Advocacy Training from Van Meter Ashbrook & Associates.

Finally, on Wednesday evening, we’re thrilled to present the 2021 William R. Joseph Advocacy Medal to Tom Katzenmeyer, President & CEO of the Greater Columbus Arts Council. We’re honored to have Senator Sherrod Brown join Tom for a conversation.