Local arts and cultural leaders form The Cultural Alliance coalition

Leaders of some of the most influential arts and cultural organizations across the Mahoning and Shenango valleys announced the formation of The Cultural Alliance Friday, July 16. The group is a new coalition aimed at advancing arts and culture in eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania.

“The eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania regions boast a proud history of a strong and vibrant arts and culture environment,” The Cultural Alliance president Dr. Chester Amedia Jr. said. “The Alliance seeks to build upon that history, bringing together all parts of the arts and culture community to further amplify the important role that diverse arts and cultural activities play in the continued vibrancy of our region.”

The founding members of the group include Ballet Western Reserve, The Butler Institute of American Art, JAC Management Group, Youngstown Playhouse, and YSU, including the Cliffe College of Creative Arts, the Dana School of Music, the Department of Visual and Dramatic Arts, and the McDonough Museum of Art.

The idea for the group arose in 2019 when YSU hired a consultant to assess the region’s cultural and creative sectors. Despite significant economic challenges and population decline, the study found that a strong sense of arts and cultural heritage remained in the region. YSU then convened a group of arts and cultural leaders to begin planning for a community arts coalition.

Since formation, the Alliance has worked to promote their many goals, including promoting the awareness, appreciation, and engagement of cultural initiatives and the arts; supporting local artists, small businesses, and arts and cultural organizations; amplifying and promoting the positive cultural brand of the region; working to increase public and private investments in cultural institutions and artists; and supporting policies that strengthen the power of artists, cultural organizations, and creative small businesses to drive workforce development and economic resilience.

Alliance membership is open to nonprofits, businesses, organizations, and individuals who support, coordinate, or facilitate cultural or artistic venues, presentations, festivals, and other activities that engage the public and enrich the artistic or culture life of the region.