Arts Organization’s New Executive Director Shares Her Plans Networking Event

Jessica Rosenblatt (left) with Diana Chittester

Just a few weeks ago, Lakewood’s Jessica Rosenblatt was named executive director (and sole paid staff member) of the Ohio Arts Professionals Network, which celebrates its 60th anniversary next year.

To introduce herself, as well as share information about the organization’s background and what it has to offer, Rosenblatt hosted a networking event at Nighttown Tuesday October 1. The crowd included both representatives from entertainment presenters such as the Maltz Performing Arts Center, Playhouse Square and the Stocker Arts Center in Lorain, and performers such as Brent Kirby, Oleg and Terry of the Russian Duo, Victor Samalot, and Taylor Lamborn.

Rosenblatt explained how OAPN evolved from a group founded in 1960 by university-based arts administrators to a broader mission that involved a name change from the Ohio Arts Presenters Network to its current tag. Originally a tool to help presenters book their seasons, it became a vehicle for artists to find venues to perform in, hence the name change. “We are the connector,” said Rosenblatt, as she pointed out that the group’s mission is grounded in the idea that “live performances are essential to quality of life.”

She listed the opportunities available under the OAPN umbrella including networking, sponsorships, showcasing, and workshops and professional development classes. She teases the crowd a little by announcing that there would be a special conference in October 2020 to celebrate the group’s 60th anniversary, which they’d hoped to provide information about but weren’t quite ready. “Check the website,” she said.

With her background as social media and marketing coordinator for Cain Park and booking agent/manager at Fighting Chance Records, which she co-founded with her wife, guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Diana Chittester, Rosenblatt said her goal is to broaden the group’s offerings still more, to include lawyers, photographer, videographers, media and licensing professionals.

She also said that OAPN is in the process of expanding its board, and introduced two band-new board members who were in the room: Stocker Arts Center director Janet Herman and entertainment lawyer Anna Kelberg-Kim.

To find out more abut OAPN go to oapn.org.

 

 

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