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In-Depth Seminars

Jumpstart your time at the Conference by joining your colleagues for a day of learning, discussing, sharing, exploring, and adding to your tool box to be an effective arts leader in today’s world.

Select one of three seminars when you register for the Conference on Monday, August 28:

These seminars are open to all arts administrators in the greater Columbus area, including those who do not attend the full Conference. Contact us to sign up.


Participants at the Women’s Leadership Forum at APAP in January 2017. Photo by Cynthia Souza.

Monday, August 28, 9:30 a.m.–2:45 p.m., Hyatt Regency Columbus

Women’s Leadership Forum: Leveraging Leadership & Addressing Bias in the Arts

Presented in partnership with Women of Color in the Arts

Led by Kaisha Johnson, Women of Color in the Arts, New York, NY; Laura Kendall, Omaha Performing Arts, Omaha, NE; Cristal Chanelle Truscott, Progress Theatre, Houston, TX; Nayantara Sen, Art/Work Practice, New York, NY; Gwethalyn Bronner, James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County, Grayslake, IL; Christine Tschida, Northrop, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN

In order for women to empower themselves and advocate for other women, we must squarely address the systemic inequities that exist in our institutions and world. Talking authentically about sexism and racism, and their intersectionality, will begin to ignite the candid dialogues women need, not only to take rein of the leadership roles they hold and deserve in the workplace, but to affect broader change in the field.

This forum includes:

  • an intimate conversation with women in senior leadership positions who have encountered and overcome bias
  • a workshop to help understand and mitigate our own implicit gender and racial biases
  • an open dialogue about how to navigate the challenges we face working to create a more inclusive and equitable field.

Please note: This forum is open only to self-identified women, including women from all backgrounds and stages of their career. All Conference attendees interested in this topic are invited to participate in a separate follow-up Professional Development session during the Conference.

Conference Registration Seminar Only

$95 (Meal options are available nearby, but lunch is not included.)
A special $65 price is available for members of Women of Color in the Arts.


David Fraher and Anne Romens pose for a photo before a Creating Connection seminar in Red Wing, MN. Photo by Autumn Patterson.

Monday, August 28, 10:00 a.m.–2:45 p.m., Hyatt Regency Columbus

Messages that Matter: Tapping into What Audiences Value

Led by David Fraher, Arts Midwest, Minneapolis, MN; and Anne Romens, Arts Midwest, Minneapolis, MN; with Joe Patti, Director, Vern Riffe Center for the Arts – Shawnee State University

What core values inspire your potential audience to participate in arts, culture, and creativity, and which messages should you use to connect people to your programs?

This in-depth seminar will share the data-driven strategies coming out of Creating Connection that can help strengthen the power of your communications, programming, and outreach. Arts Midwest leaders will discuss a growing body of research around the intersection of creativity and public values, and offer tangible messaging strategies, tools, and real-time examples aimed at helping you attract and retain audiences and connect more deeply with your communities.

Work in tandem with your artistic, marketing, and support staff during this session, and be prepared for hands-on learning that you can take back to your organization to start exploring how your offerings—no matter whether you’re a presenter or an artist or manager—can tap in to the values and motivations of diverse stakeholders.

Conference Registration Seminar Only

$95 (Meal options are available nearby, but lunch is not included.)


Marc Baylin leads a session at the 2015 Arts Midwest Conference in Kansas City. Photo by Tiffany Rodgers.

Monday, August 28, 10:00 a.m.–2:45 p.m., Hyatt Regency Columbus

The Wide Wild World of Presenting

Led by Marc Baylin, Baylin Artists Management, Doylestown, PA; and Jennifer Ross, Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville, AR

New to presenting? Need a refresher course? This session will provide the core building blocks and basic framework for operating in today’s presenting world by exploring the broader industry structure and its many moving parts.

Learn from a pair of experienced professionals—one artist manager and one presenter— and explore the framework behind being a presenter in today’s environment. After discussing the basics of a presenter’s curatorial role and season programming, attendees will dig into the nuts and bolts necessary for becoming a successful presenter, including:

  • Planning timelines
  • Analyzing risk
  • Researching artists
  • Negotiating and contracting
  • Developing a sound event execution plan
  • Building industry relationships
  • Understanding touring models

Participants will also gain practical knowledge for navigating opportunities like the Arts Midwest Conference, including how to critically review showcase performances, prepare for meetings with artists and managers, plan post-Conference follow-up, and manage all of the possibilities for a season.

Conference Registration Seminar Only

$95 (Meal options are available nearby, but lunch is not included.)