The Rotary Club of Akron had the privilege of learning about the Ohio Citizens for the Arts organization at our Tuesday, October 12, 2021, Club meeting. View the meeting/presentation by clicking here or cut and paste this link into your browser https://youtu.be/V1D8i-h7Luo.
Angela Meleca was named Executive Director of Ohio Citizens for the Arts (OCA) in 2020. OCA is a member-driven, not-for-profit advocacy organization, representing Ohio's arts and creative industry. OCA's mission is to champion increased public funding and public policy to support the arts and creative sector at the state and federal levels.Ms. Meleca stated that there are more than 400 members who belong to the OCA. Ohio is unique for the number of Art related Centers we have. Northeast Ohio is especially rich in the arts venues. She believes the Creative (arts) sector is the background of a community.
While classes like math are required in our schools, she would encourage art programs would also be a requirement. OCA members believe creatives are essential and the backbone of innovation, prosperity, and strong communities. OCA advocates that public funding for the art and creative industry is a high-return investment that benefits all Ohioans.
Ms. Meleca is a strong believer in collaboration. Prior to the pandemic, collaboration existed, but since the pandemic, collaboration has increased. Prior to the pandemic, there were over 300,000 individuals employed in the arts environment. Today that number is closer to 200,000.
Ms. Meleca shared with the Club that Governor Mike DeWine signed the FY 2022-2023 state budget into law which includes Ohio Citizens for the Arts' request for a $7M increase in funding for the arts and creative industry. This is a historic high level of funding that will help bring technicians, electricians, musicians, welders, designers, dancers, directors, writers, singers, stagehands, sewists, artists, and actors back to work. OCA is grateful for the Governor and Legislature for their leadership, recognition, and support of the arts.
Rotarians wishing to learn more about the Ohio Citizens for the Arts or become a member, are encouraged to check out their website at www.ohiocitizensforthearts.org.
