July 2001 ArtsOhio Page 3

Christopher Pekoc, Balance, photogenerated images and mixed media, 1999.

CZECH CASTLE TO HOST OHIO ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE

As part of an exchange between the Ohio Arts Council and the Czech Republic, three Ohio artists will be in residence at the Cimelice Castle as part of the Cimelice Residency Program from August 1 through September 30, 2001. The Ohio Arts Council's International Program and the Soros Center for Contemporary Art-Prague are sponsoring the exchange. Ohio artists participating in the exchange are Gretchen Cochran of Columbus, Frank Hermann of Cincinnati and Chris Pekoc of Cleveland. The Cimelice Residency Program encourages independent artistic creation and the open exchange of ideas and experiences. Cimelice is a small historical village 80 kilometers southwest of Prague. The Italian architect Antonio Canevalle built the baroque castle between 1728-1730. Designed to foster long-term involvement in international cultural exchanges, the Ohio Arts Councilšs International Program encourages Ohio artists and arts organizations to form partnerships with arts professionals abroad. The International Program provides grants to help nonprofit educational, cultural and arts organizations, individual artists, performers, educators, arts managers and administrators develop exemplary international arts projects and innovative partnerships that increase Ohio's access to international arts activities.

SOAR (CON'T)

evaluate and revise its programs to reflect the findings of SOAR. Funds also will be used to: conduct additional research on how to better serve a wide range of Ohio citizens; develop an online technical assistance system; build and strengthen a network of local arts councils in rural northwest Ohio; and continue to build local arts participation.

For the last decade, the Wallace-Readeršs Digest Funds have invested in cultural organizations across the country working to make the arts a part of people's everyday lives. "Our partnership with state arts agencies will help speed the work they are doing to increase local involvement in the arts while reinforcing high artistic standards and sound management," said Michael Moore, director of the Funds arts program.

In conjunction with the publication of the State of the Arts Report, the Ohio Arts Council will host a series of regional meetings throughout Ohio in the fall of 2001. The meetings will educate artists and arts organizations about the results of the study. The implementation of the State of the Arts Report through the Wallace-Reader's Digest Funds will enable the Ohio Arts Council to make more efficient use of state tax dollars to bring vitality to Ohio's communities.

OAC DEADLINES

September 1

Individual Artists



		OAC SEEKS PANELISTS The OAC is seeking nominations of qualified individuals to serve on advisory panels. Panelists will assist the OAC Board by reviewing and making funding recommendations for applications submitted at various program deadlines between December 1, 2001 and May 1, 2002. Panels to be appointed this fall include Operating Support II and Project Support in all arts disciplines, all Arts in Education panels, and Artists Projects. For a nomination form, contact Susan Neumann at 614/466-2613. Nomination forms are also available on the OAC website at www.oac.state.oh.us. Nominations will be accepted until August 30, 2001.

WE'RE BUILDING OHIO THROUGH THE ARTS

The Ohio Arts Council, a state agency established in 1965, builds the state through the arts - economically, educationally and culturally - preserving the past, enhancing the present and enriching the future for all Ohioans. The Council believes the arts should be shared by the people of Ohio. The arts arise from public, individual and organizational efforts. The OAC supports and encourages those efforts.