Cultural Arts Center and Greater Columbus Arts Council Host Americans for the Arts CEO Robert L. Lynch

The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s Cultural Arts Center (CAC) and the Greater Columbus Arts Council (Arts Council) are hosting Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts, April 30-May 2 for a series of site visits, meetings with community leaders, and two public events.

The two events open to the public include:

An evening program and reception beginning at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30 at the Cultural Arts Center at 139 W. Main St.  Tom Katzenmeyer, president and CEO of the Arts Council will guide the conversation.

Lynch will also take part in the CAC’s weekly “Conversations & Coffee” on Thursday, May 1 at noon.  This unique program is in its 33^rd year, and is the area’s longest-running art discussion open to the public.

Both events are free but seating is limited. Reservations are required online at culturalartscenteronline.org.

“Mr. Lynch, has been a powerhouse of support for the arts for many years, especially on the local level,” said director Alan McKnight of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. “These events will be an exciting opportunity for the arts community to engage with him.”

“As Columbus continues to grow, our arts and artists play an increasingly important role in our efforts to develop our city and raise Columbus’ image nationally,” said Katzenmeyer. “We look forward to being able to showcase Columbus’ dynamic arts and cultural scene for Mr. Lynch as well as hear from him about best practices in other communities.”

With more than 39 years of experience in the arts industry, Lynch is motivated by his personal mission to empower communities and leaders to advance the arts in society, and in the lives of citizens.

Under his direction, Americans for the Arts has become a leader in documenting and articulating the key role played by the nonprofit arts and culture industry, and their audiences in strengthening our nation’s economy.

He has also been instrumental in creating a strong portfolio of projects and information about the transformative value of the arts in non-traditional areas such as civic dialogue, social problem solving, business and work with the Pentagon, West Point, and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Lynch’s visit is being coordinated by the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, the CulturalArtsCenter, and the Greater Columbus Arts Council.

About the Cultural Arts Center: Through our classes, workshops, exhibitions and discussions, the ColumbusCulturalArtsCenter seeks to enrich the lives of our citizens by inspiring their artistic mastery through the realization and exploration of creative potential. The CulturalArtsCenter is a proud part of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.  www.CulturalArtsCenterOnline.org

About the Greater Columbus Arts Council: Through vision and leadership, advocacy and collaboration, the Greater Columbus Arts Council supports art and advances the culture of the region. A catalyst for excellence and innovation, we fund exemplary artists and arts organizations and provide programs, events and services of public value that educate and engage all audiences in our community. GCAC thanks the City of Columbus, FranklinCounty and the Ohio Arts Council for their continued support. The Arts Council has been recognized as one of the”5 NonProfits to Watch” in 2014 by The Columbus Foundation.  www.gcac.org