The arts play a vital role on campus and in the broader community because performances and exhibitions bring diverse people together in a shared experience.
Earlier this year The Ohio State University unveiled plans for a new Arts District, which includes 15+HIGH, where WOSU’s new headquarters will be an anchor.
While the scope of this project is unprecedented, it is not the first time Ohio State has endeavored to bridge the campus and community divide for the benefit of students and arts-goers.
Eleven years ago, Ohio State opened the Urban Arts Space in downtown Columbus, two miles south of campus in the heart of the old Lazarus building renovation and redevelopment. Urban Arts Space has more than 10,000 square feet dedicated to exhibitions, installations, and lectures. Each year, more than 300 artists create, and 30 students work to make the gallery space come to life.
The blank canvas of the concrete walls is the starting place for ideas. With each artist the gallery space morphs and evolves. But with each iteration, the core of its purpose remains true — free admission, accessible experiences, student learning, and community engagement.
Bravo to the university leadership whose vision created this space, and kudos to the talented team today, led by director Merijn van der Heijden, for embarking on a strategic planning process.
Your roles make both the university and downtown vibrant places of expression and creativity.
Article by: Kerri Laubenthal Mollard, Founder & CEO
