CreativeOhio announces semi-finalists for 2024 Champion Advocacy Awards
CreativeOhio has announced the semi-finalists for the 2024 Champion Advocacy Awards.
This year’s event, hosted in Cincinnati at the historic Cincinnati Music Hall on Oct. 16 at 11:30 a.m., celebrates the exceptional individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the arts and culture sector throughout the state.
"As we move our annual awards to different regions across Ohio," said Executive Director and CEO Sarah Sisser, "CreativeOhio has the opportunity to deeply engage with each local arts ecosystem. This year, Cincinnati has truly inspired us. As one of the top 20 arts and culture hubs in the nation, according to the Arts Vibrancy Index, the Queen City stands out for its vibrant and diverse arts community. Behind the scenes of every performance, mural, exhibition, and art class are tireless advocates who passionately support and uplift the importance of arts and culture."
CreativeOhio recognizes the following semi-finalists in three categories. Winners will be announced at the event.
Individual Advocate Champion Semi-Finalists
• Kala Gibson
• Phyllis McCallum
• Sara Vance Waddell.
Arts Educator Champion Semi-Finalists
• Funmilayo (Funmi) Ajamufua
• Pam Kravetz
• Dr. Isidore Rudnick.
Artist Champion Semi-Finalists
• Calgagno (Cal) Cullen
• Gee Horton
• Cervilio Miguel Amador.
In addition to the semi-finalist awards, CreativeOhio will honor two special recipients:
• Business Champion Award: Messer Construction Co. which has been instrumental in developing the physical landscape of the arts ecosystem in the region—from the preservation of historic Cincinnati Music Hall, to the recent completion of Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.
• Lifetime Achievement Award (posthumous): Senator Stan Aronoff, for his tireless advocacy for arts funding and education throughout Ohio. This award will be accepted by his granddaughter, Toria Schottenstein.
CreativeOhio invites the public to join them and other state and national leaders in celebrating Cincinnati’s contributions to Ohio’s creative community.
The 2024 Champion Advocacy Awards will be a highlight of the season, coinciding with BLINK and CODAsummit taking place across in Cincinnati in October.
Guests can read the bios of the semi-finalists and purchase tickets to the 2024 Champion Advocacy Awards, which benefit the CreativeOhio Foundation, at creativeoh.org/champion-advocacy-awards.
The 2024 Champion Advocacy Awards are presented with generous support from ArtsWave, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Arts Association, BalletMet and Columbus Association for the Performing Arts.
About CreativeOhio: CreativeOhio is the collective statewide voice for Ohio's creative sector. Driven by over 130 member organizations, CreativeOhio provides leadership, advocacy and support to strengthen and enhance the state through arts, culture and creativity. Learn more at creativeoh.org.
Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 25 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.