Arts Advancement Council spotlights UA, Akron Cultural Collaborations

Dean Mitchell S. McKinney speaks to the Arts Advancement Council.

On May 23, 2023, on the stage of E.J. Thomas Hall, the Arts Advancement Council met for the third time since its inception in 2022 to provide updates on collaborations and cultural programming at UA and throughout the Akron and Northeast Ohio area.

Under the guidance of Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences (BCAS) Dean Mitchell S. McKinney, the Council is co-chaired by Rick and Alita Rogers, Akron arts leaders. It brings together local, regional, and national leaders and patrons of the visual, performing, and cultural arts to promote UA’s AkronArts initiative, advocate for UA and its students, and generate philanthropic resources for UA arts. Each meeting takes place at a different cultural location in Akron. The Council receives direction from UA President Gary L. Miller and updates from the co-chairs, faculty from BCAS schools and departments (Art, Music, DTAA, Literary Arts), UA’s advancement team and community partners.

At the May meeting, President Miller introduced Jason Segedy as project manager for the John S. and James L. Knight Center for Creative Engagement. He also announced that Dr. Philathia Bolton was awarded the inaugural Toni Morrison Senior Fellowship in African Diaspora Literature and Cultural Studies at The Africa Institute.

Janice Troutman, director of the Myers School of Art, included in her updates the many faculty creative and research accomplishments and the Myers School awarding $138,000 in scholarships and travel for students.

Updates from Marc Reed, director of the School of Music and director of the School of Dance, Theatre and Arts Administration, included a progress report on the fall launch of the preparatory Akron Arts Academy, a preview of the Piano Cleveland Partnership kick off on July 6 at Guzzetta Hall, and kudos to Dr. Marie Bucoy-Calavan and the Chamber Choir for being asked to perform at the national conference of the American Choral Directors Association.

David Giffels, professor of English, provided updates about the Northeast Ohio Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program and the activities of The University of Akron Press.

Partners from area cultural and arts organizations presented their latest news. Paul Jarrett, executive director of Akron Symphony Orchestra, reviewed the schedule for their 70th season. Howard Parr, executive director of the Akron Civic Theatre and President Miller’s special advisor for arts and culture, presented the new event web site, a one-stop online source for all things cultural happening in the Akron Area. Heather Meeker, executive director of Summit Art Space, spoke about their Artist Professional Development program and upcoming exhibits.

Finally, Will Cole, assistant vice president of development, told the group to save September 30 on their calendars for the 50th Anniversary Celebration of E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall and introduced the new Maestro’s Circle development campaign for the School of Music. Kasey Willener, director of development, announced that UA’s weekend at the Chautauqua Institute is set for August.

Dean McKinney noted, “With the continued leadership and support of the Arts Advancement Council, UA is well positioned to make a significant impact on the arts and cultural scene in Akron and beyond.”