Creative Commerce: Ohio Arts Council Executive Director to Speak at Fridays at Findlay

The arts have far greater influence on health, emotion, and the business world than many realize. Find out how an infusion of fine and performing arts can benefit you professionally, personally, and economically at the next University of Findlay Fridays at Findlay on Oct. 25. This event highlighting “The Arts: Their Impact on the Brain, Heart, and Bottom Line” will feature panelists Donna Collins, Ohio Arts Council (OAC) Executive Director; Ron Tulley, Ph.D., Dean of UF’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; and Heather Clow, executive director at Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.

Collins will also provide highlights from a recent study that shows statewide economic impact of the arts and how a vibrant arts community has multiplying benefits to a region’s welfare.

Sponsored by First Federal Bank, the Fridays at Findlay breakfast lecture series is designed to encourage educational opportunities for members of the community, the campus, and alumni regarding best leadership practices. Admission, which includes a hot breakfast, is $10 per person and $5 for students. To register and for more information, visit the Fridays at Findlay webpage, or call University Advancement at 419-434-5334.

Collins’ more than 20 years of experience guiding the OAC and her volunteer leadership work for exemplary nonprofit arts organizations throughout the state informs her vast knowledge about arts’ impact. The OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically. Collins’ work represents consistent success and solid results that impact policy, education, economic development, and arts and culture.

At the national level, Collins is an elected National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) board member. In Ohio, she is a member of the Any Given Child Initiative in the Warren City Schools, a founding member of the Ohio Prison Arts Connection, and most recently served as the Leader in Residence at Marietta College.

In 2015, Ohio Governor John Kasich inducted Collins into the Association of Ohio Commodores, which assists the state in all areas that contribute to economic growth and development, and increase citizens’ prosperity.