A group of arts leaders from the Cincinnati and Dayton areas will take part in a statewide program designed to strengthen the voice of Ohio’s creative sector at a time when the industry plays a growing role in the state’s economy.
CreativeOhio has named the second cohort for its Advocacy Leadership Institute, a six-month program that trains arts and cultural leaders to advocate for public policy and funding that support the creative sector. The 2026 class includes 25 professionals from 13 cities across Ohio, several of them from Southwest Ohio.
Among those selected are Calcagno Cullen, program manager at the Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation; Jeni Jenkins, artist and creative director of Renegade Babe Creative Studio; Mary McFadden Lawson, chief philanthropy officer at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra; Jenna Shaifer, founder of Ombre Gallery; and Sarah Stolar, academic dean at the Art Academy of Cincinnati.
Dayton-area participants include Heather Jones, curator and director of programs and engagement at The Contemporary Dayton; Shayna McConville, division manager of cultural arts for the City of Kettering; and Dorie Watts, program associate for democracy and the arts at the Charles F. Kettering Foundation.
“CreativeOhio’s Advocacy Leadership Institute is an important effort to raise the bar on civic literacy and engagement among Ohio’s arts and culture leaders,” said Sarah Sisser, CEO and executive director of CreativeOhio, a statewide arts advocacy organization.
“We are excited to collaborate with this year’s cohort: an accomplished group of leaders representing diverse disciplines and communities across the state who are stepping forward to strengthen the collective voice of Ohio’s creative sector,” she continued.
Advocating for arts in need
The program comes at a pivotal moment for the state’s arts industry. According to CreativeOhio, the sector supports more than 132,000 jobs and contributes about $32.9 billion annually to Ohio’s economy.
Participants were selected through a competitive application process and represent a range of disciplines, including performing arts, museums and visual arts, philanthropy, higher education and community arts organizations.
The 2026 cohort will begin the institute in May. Participants will take part in workshops, site visits and policy discussions with lawmakers and advocacy experts aimed at helping them influence public policy, secure funding and build stronger statewide networks.
More information about the program and its members are available online.
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