Ohio Arts Council

I was priviledged to be invited to a Stakeholder Meeting at the Ohio Arts Council at their office in Columbus on Friday, (8/20). Our group included Arts Councils from many parts of the state from large cities to small councils (such as Riverbend in Meigs County). It was a lively discussion, very helpful and enlightening. It seems we all have the same basic concerns, getting the word out about events, the need for board members to step up and really take a part, and take it seriously, and funding. We met with two consultants from California who have been in Ohio most of the summer working on strategic planning for the OAC. A survey sent to arts organizations has brought back a good response regarding the value of OAC to local organizatons, how can it improve, become more efficient, and what should be eliminated or changed. There are potential new directions for the agency, including policy development and creative economic development.

I was able to share with the director the information that Eric had mentioned about including storytelling as a Fine Art on the National Standards Arts Discipline List. He suggested I call Mary Hamilton, which I did, and she graciously sent me a copy of the proposal from NSN regarding the Proposed Change. After the meeting, I handed the copy to Julie S. Henahan, executive director, Ohio Arts Council. She was aware of the proposal and said it would be under consideration this fall.