Press releases and announcements from Ohio's arts organizations
The Toledo Museum of Art held a public virtual town hall to discuss its Reinstallation Project, while closing additional East Wing galleries beginning April 20 to advance construction of a new accessible entrance and expanded spaces.
Read moreThe Cleveland Orchestra’s 2026-27 season will be the last for Music Director Franz Welser-Möst, who is completing a 25-year tenure with a program that surveys his artistic legacy at Severance Music Center.
Read moreThe 2026 Columbus Arts Festival will feature more than 75 free performances over four stages June 12-14, headlined by the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, indie-rock act Karate Coyote, and the Fashion as Art runway showcase.
Read moreCleveland Public Theatre has begun a $12 million renovation of its Detroit Shoreway complex, with free public tours running through May 14 to let the community see the work in progress.
Read moreBalletMet caps its 48th season with Artistic Director Remi Wörtmeyer’s debut full-length creation, a reimagined ‘La Bohème’ set in the French Quarter of New Orleans, running May 13–17 at the Davidson Theatre.
Read moreThe 2026 Columbus Arts Festival will feature 230-plus artists from 32 states and two countries at the Columbus riverfront June 12-14, including 19 Emerging Festival Artists from central Ohio.
Read morePlayhouse Square announced a seven-show 2026-27 KeyBank Broadway Series, with Cleveland serving as the national tour launch city for the new musical ‘Death Becomes Her.’
Read moreThe Cincinnati Art Museum presents Art in Bloom 2026, a four-day celebration featuring more than 60 floral designers interpreting works from the permanent collection.
Read moreThe Cleveland Orchestra announced its 2026 summer season with highlights including an America 250 tribute, Idina Menzel, a Harry Potter film concert, and conductor Franz Welser-Möst’s final season.
Read moreToledo Opera has announced its 2026-2027 season, featuring two major productions: Giuseppe Verdi’s “Aida” and Gilbert & Sullivan’s “H.M.S. Pinafore.” The season, beginning in October 2026, will present “Aida” for the first time in over a decade, alongside the company’s first Gilbert & Sullivan operetta in more than twenty years. “Aida” will explore themes of love, duty, and sacrifice in ancient Egypt, while “H.M.S. Pinafore” promises nautical fun and comic hijinks. Subscriptions and single tickets will go on sale March 2, 2026, offering audiences a chance to experience both grand opera and comic operetta.
Read moreThe National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is set to host five diverse programs in February 2026 to honor Black History Month. The programming aligns with the 100th anniversary of Negro History Week and will feature a range of events including lectures, film screenings, performances, and workshops. A key event is the free Fifth Third Community Day on February 15, which will include a presentation by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Dr. Edda L. Fields-Black and other academics. Other scheduled activities include a look at Black independent cinema, a talent showcase, a family history workshop, and a documentary screening.
Read moreHeights Arts in Cleveland Heights presented ‘Consider Fires,’ a group show on fire as metaphor curated by Gina Washington, alongside ‘Spotlight: Josh Chefitz,’ running through March 15, 2026.
Read moreHeights Arts will present two new exhibitions beginning January 6, 2026, titled “Consider Fires” and “Spotlight: Josh Chefitz.” The exhibitions delve into the multifaceted nature of fire, exploring themes of destruction, transformation, memory, and healing. “Consider Fires” features local Northeast Ohio artists interpreting these concepts through diverse artistic mediums. The “Spotlight” exhibition highlights the work of artist Josh Chefitz, whose mixed media pieces focus on memory as a pathway to personal growth. Both shows run until March 15, 2026, with an opening reception on January 16th and a special artist and poet event on February 19th.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Museum Center is launching its winter lineup of cooking classes at the Cr(eat)e Culinary Studio, inviting participants of all ages to explore global flavors and culinary science. Registration for the new classes opens on November 4, 2025. The offerings include hands-on sessions for homeschoolers, families, and adults, with diverse menus ranging from Asian street food to Mediterranean feasts. These programs aim to foster culinary skills, expand palates, and provide an engaging learning experience.
Read moreThe powerful international exhibition, Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away., opens at Cincinnati Museum Center this Saturday, featuring over 500 original artifacts. This is the largest collection of artifacts from Auschwitz ever displayed outside of Europe. The exhibition explores the history of the camp, the lives of its prisoners and perpetrators, and the importance of remembrance.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Art Museum (CAM) has opened applications for floral artists worldwide to participate in its 2026 “Art in Bloom” event, taking place from April 23-26, 2026. This popular annual exhibition invites artists at all career stages to create floral designs inspired by CAM’s extensive art collection. The application deadline is January 12, 2026. “Art in Bloom” is celebrated for uniting art and nature, drawing significant visitor numbers and offering artists a unique creative outlet. A juried process will select the participating artists for this esteemed event.
Read moreHeights Arts is set to introduce new public art in Cleveland Heights’ Cedar Lee and Coventry districts by the end of 2026, funded by $250,000 in ARPA grants. The initiative, a collaboration with LAND Studio, will feature murals in Cedar Lee and installations, including a performance shell, in Coventry. The project aims to revitalize business districts and reinforce Cleveland Heights’ identity as an arts destination. A call for local artists for the Cedar Lee murals will open on October 31, 2025, with an information session scheduled for November 12.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Art Museum (CAM) has launched a new strategic plan for 2026-2029, centered on deepening community connections, organizational sustainability, and radical hospitality. The plan aims to integrate the museum further into civic life and enhance community wellbeing. Key components include expanding wellness programs, modernizing facilities, and improving the visitor experience through new exhibits and digital enhancements. As CAM looks toward its 150th anniversary in 2031, this strategy emphasizes art’s role in fostering joy, learning, and creative innovation.
Read moreCincinnati Museum Center (CMC) is set to host its winter STEM Girls programs, offering free educational opportunities for students in grades 3-8. The initiative, which partners with organizations like RAPTOR Inc., the Cincinnati Observatory, and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, aims to introduce young people to STEM fields and address the gender gap. Registration begins on September 30, providing a chance for children to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through engaging, real-world connections.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) is launching its new Cr(eat)e Café on October 2, offering a convenient dining option designed to fuel extended museum visits. Located near The Children’s Museum, the café will serve allergy-friendly kid favorites and quick bites. This initiative aims to enhance the visitor experience by providing accessible and energizing food choices, complementing CMC’s existing dining facilities. The Cr(eat)e Café’s menu will feature items such as flatbreads, sandwiches, wraps, and classic children’s meals.
Read moreCincinnati Museum Center’s fossil collection has expanded significantly following a successful seven-week field season in Montana. In collaboration with the Elevation Science Institute, museum staff and over 150 volunteers unearthed hundreds of dinosaur fossils from Bureau of Land Management sites. The fossils, including large sauropod femora and Allosaurus toes, were carefully excavated, encased in protective plaster jackets, and transported to CMC’s collection facility. Further preparation and study will occur in CMC’s Paleo Lab, where visitors can observe the process. The museum’s vertebrate paleontology collection, one of the nation’s largest, features specimens dating back to 1818, with significant dinosaur and Ice Age mammal fossils on display.
Read moreCincinnati Museum Center’s newest OMNIMAX film, “Ohio: Wild at Heart,” will premiere on October 24th. The documentary, narrated by Archie Griffin, showcases the state’s natural beauty and conservation efforts. Produced in partnership with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and MacGillivray Freeman Films, the film explores Ohio’s diverse ecosystems, from its parks to its waterways. It aims to inspire audiences with the wild beauty and ecological resilience of the Buckeye State.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Art Museum (CAM) has announced its new Board Officers and Trustees for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, effective September 1, 2025. Bruce Petrie, Jr. will serve as Chair, Andrew Quinn as President, Eric Kearney as Vice President, Cheryl Rose as Treasurer, and Jake Ragland as Secretary. The museum also welcomed four new trustees: Shakila Ahmad, Ivy Bayer, Ryan Hays, and Kristi Nelson, along with Natalie Leonard who joins as trustee in her capacity as President of the CAM Catalysts.
Read moreHeights Arts has announced its 2025-2026 music season, featuring ten concerts across its Close Encounters, Gallery Concerts, and ARTbar series. The season aims to highlight local talent in diverse musical genres and intimate settings throughout Cleveland Heights. Highlights include chamber music by elite performers, free gallery concerts featuring world music and klezmer, and ARTbar events blending music, art, and cocktails. Additionally, the organization will offer open rehearsals for Close Encounters performances, providing educational insights into the musical preparation process. This programming reinforces Heights Arts’ mission to celebrate and share the contributions of regional artists with the community.
Read moreThe Columbus Arts Festival, set for June 12-14, 2026, has opened applications for visual artists, emerging artists, performing artists, and food vendors. The 64th annual event, organized by the Greater Columbus Arts Council, will take place on the downtown Columbus riverfront. Visual artists can apply in 16 categories, with a special program for emerging artists from Central Ohio. Informational meetings for interested artists will be held in the fall.
Read moreThe Tony Award-winning musical ‘Suffs’ is set to make its Cleveland debut at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace from February 3 to 22, 2026. The musical, lauded for its inspiring and entertaining portrayal of the women’s suffrage movement, features book, music, and lyrics by Shaina Taub. Single tickets go on sale August 26, 2025. ‘Suffs’ explores the passionate fight for voting rights and the complex dynamics within the movement. This acclaimed production follows its successful Broadway run and a North American tour launch.
Read moreThe Canton Museum of Art has announced its 2025-26 exhibition season, coinciding with its 90th anniversary. The season, from August 2025 to July 2026, features over nine new exhibitions, with a major highlight being “Shattered Glass: The Women Who Elevated American Art.” This landmark exhibition will showcase the influential work of female artists across 250 years of American art history, drawing from national and private collections. Fall exhibitions open August 26, including “Impressions En Plein Air” and “Stories Worth Painting.” “Shattered Glass” will debut November 25, 2025, and will be accompanied by related programs from community partners. The season also includes spring exhibitions like “Reclaimed: The Art of Recology” and “Earth, Fire, Water,” further enriching the museum’s offerings and celebrating its enduring presence.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Art Museum is set to host “What, Me Worry? The Art and Humor of MAD Magazine” from November 21, 2025, to March 1, 2026. The exhibition will delve into the 70-year history of the influential publication, showcasing over 150 original artworks and memorabilia. Curated by Stephanie Haboush Plunkett and Steve Brodner, it highlights MAD’s impact on satire and cultural critique. The show traces the magazine’s journey from its comic book beginnings to its status as a mainstream cultural commentator. Admission details and special free viewing opportunities are also outlined in the announcement.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) is launching The Vontz Family Education, Research and Collections Center, a new facility aimed at centralizing and enhancing the preservation and study of regional history. The $45 million project will repurpose the former Heidelberg Distributing building on Dalton Avenue. This initiative seeks to consolidate the museum’s vast collections, making them more accessible for research and public engagement. The center represents a significant investment in the West End and Queensgate neighborhoods.
Read moreThe Columbus Symphony has named Maureen O’Brien as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 15, 2025. O’Brien previously served as Executive Vice President for Institutional Advancement at the New World Symphony. In her new role, she will oversee all orchestral operations and lead a capital campaign for a new performing arts hall. The appointment is seen as a significant step towards artistic excellence and community engagement for the central Ohio ensemble. O’Brien expressed her excitement to foster an inclusive future for the arts in Columbus.
Read moreMaureen O’Brien has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of the Columbus Symphony, effective July 15, 2025. O’Brien, formerly of the New World Symphony, brings extensive experience in arts leadership, fundraising, and community engagement. She will oversee all operations of the orchestra and lead the initiative to build a new performing arts hall. O’Brien emphasized her commitment to making the symphony accessible and reflective of the Columbus community. The appointment comes as the CSO prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary.
Read moreThe 2025 Columbus Arts Festival, presented by the American Electric Power Foundation, will feature over 230 exhibiting artists from 31 states and Canada. The festival, running June 6-8 on the Columbus downtown riverfront, will include 10 returning award-winning artists and 19 Emerging Festival Artists from central Ohio.
Read moreOpera Columbus has announced the five finalists for its 41st annual Cooper-Bing Competition. The prestigious event, a launchpad for emerging opera talent, will take place on Sunday, May 18th, at the Southern Theatre. Finalists will vie for a $10,000 grand prize among other awards. This year’s competition attracted 284 applicants from around the world, showcasing a wide range of talent and repertoire. The event aims to support and promote the next generation of opera stars and foster operatic arts in the community.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Art Museum presents “Farm to Table: Food and Identity in the Age of Impressionism,” an exhibition exploring the intersection of art, food, and identity in late 19th-century France. Featuring over 60 works by artists like Monet and Van Gogh, the exhibition examines how artists depicted societal shifts related to agriculture and dining.
Read moreThe Foundation for Italian Art & Culture (FIAC) has awarded the Cincinnati Art Museum (CAM) and its Director, Cameron Kitchin, the 2024 Excellency Award for their significant contributions to promoting Italian culture. This honor recognizes CAM’s collaborations with FIAC, including recent projects like the research, conservation, and exhibition of Tintoretto’s ‘Genesis’.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Museum Center will unveil its new exhibition, ‘Barbie™: A Cultural Icon,’ on Friday, April 4, 2025. The exhibition traces the 66-year history of the iconic doll, showcasing her impact on fashion and culture. Visitors can expect to see over 300 artifacts, highlighting Barbie’s evolution and her role as a global phenomenon and a source of inspiration. The display aims to connect with visitors by evoking childhood memories and celebrating Barbie’s cultural significance.
Read moreThe Ohio History Connection announced its 2025 Ohio History Fund grant recipients, distributing $189,660 to 12 organizations statewide. This 13th annual program supports projects focused on preserving and sharing Ohio’s history. Grants will fund initiatives like app development, building restoration, artifact preservation, and enhanced public access to historical resources. Projects range from restoring stained-glass windows at Mt. Tabor Church to rehousing archival materials for the Women Religious Archives Collaborative. Check presentations are scheduled throughout March and April.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Art Museum announced details for its upcoming Art in Bloom event, scheduled for April 24-27, 2025. This four-day celebration will feature 65 floral artists from around the world, inspired by the museum’s collection. The event will also include appearances by social media star Alexis Nikole Nelson, also known as Black Forager, and acclaimed floral artist Natasja Sadi.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) is hosting “MAX Madness,” a tournament where 16 OMNIMAX films compete for the title of champion. Public voting opens on March 3, with updated brackets released weekly until a winner is crowned on March 31. Participants can fill out digital or printed brackets for a chance to win OMNIMAX tickets. The competition includes a variety of film genres, from nature documentaries to historical features. The winning film and the Final Four will be screened again at the OMNIMAX Theater.
Read moreCincinnati Museum Center and the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center are set to host “Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away.” starting October 18, 2025. This exhibition will bring over 500 artifacts and 400 photographs, representing the largest collection of Auschwitz artifacts outside of Europe to be shown in North America. The display aims to educate visitors about the Holocaust and honor the victims. The opening aligns with the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz camp.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) has announced that registration for its 2025 Summer Museum Camps will open soon. Camps are available for students entering grades K-6 and will offer themed programs such as Harry Potter, LEGO Movie Magic, and Paleontology. CMC Members can register starting January 29, while the general public can register beginning February 5. These camps aim to provide an engaging and educational summer experience for children.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Museum Center is releasing “Four Cincinnatis and Other Essays,” a compilation of 88 essays by historian Dan Hurley, reflecting on his 45-year career studying the city. The book, a collaboration with Mount St. Joseph University Press, will be available at the museum starting November 25. Proceeds from the sales are designated to support the museum’s History Library and Archives.
Read moreHeights Arts is actively seeking applications for its 12th Poet Laureate, a prestigious two-year position beginning in April 2025. This important role will coincide with the organization’s 25th anniversary. The Poet Laureate will receive a stipend, participate in community events, and manage the “Ekphrastacy” series. Interested poets are invited to an informational session on November 11th, with applications open from November 1st to December 31st, 2024. Applicants must have a connection to Cleveland Heights or reside there to be considered for this esteemed literary honor.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) will host its fifth annual adults-only “Layers of Innovation” event on November 8. The evening offers attendees a unique opportunity to explore the museum’s exhibits with drinks and food in hand. Proceeds from the event will support CMC’s programming and exhibits. This year’s event will highlight new and reimagined exhibits, featuring a variety of local vendors and entertainment. Early bird tickets are currently available for purchase.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) announced it will host the new exhibition, “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life.” This immersive exhibition will explore the life and culinary impact of American culinary pioneer Julia Child. The exhibition is set to open on February 1, 2025. “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life” aims to showcase Child’s insatiable curiosity and tenacious spirit. Created and toured by Flying Fish, the exhibition invites guests to rediscover the beloved figure who made cooking accessible and enjoyable for many Americans.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Museum Center is set to honor Helen Black and Cathy Chapman with the John A. Ruthven Medal of Distinction. The two lifelong naturalists are being recognized for their significant contributions to conservation and the preservation of natural spaces. The award ceremony will take place on November 12. CMC leadership highlighted their extensive work in land preservation and their impactful environmental stewardship.
Read moreCirque du Soleil is bringing its first-ever Christmas show, ‘Twas the Night Before,’ to Cleveland’s Playhouse Square. The production, inspired by the classic poem ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas,’ promises a festive experience filled with acrobatics, a heartwarming story, and beloved Christmas music. Performances are scheduled from December 4 to December 15, 2024, at the KeyBank State Theatre. Tickets go on sale to the general public on July 26, following an early sale for Cirque Club members. This show represents Cirque du Soleil’s expansion into holiday-themed entertainment.
Read moreThe Cincinnati Museum Center is presenting “Lens of History: A Celebration of People, Spaces and Emotions,” an exhibition featuring over 200 photographs that explore the history of Black Cincinnati. Curated by Toilynn O’Neal Turner, the collection spans from the 1800s to the 2000s, showcasing the work of Black photographers and community archives. This exhibition is part of the 2024 FotoFocus Biennial. It offers a visual narrative of the Black experience, identity, and heritage within the city, providing a comprehensive look at the community’s evolving story.
Read moreHeights Arts is hosting its third annual ‘HEART in the Heights’ raffle throughout July 2024. The event aims to raise funds for the nonprofit’s various art programs, including literary, musical, and visual arts initiatives. More than seventy local businesses are participating by donating raffle prizes and encouraging ticket sales. This collaborative effort seeks to support both the arts community and local commerce in Cleveland. Raffle tickets are available for purchase online and at participating businesses, with proceeds directly benefiting Heights Arts’ mission.
Read moreThe Columbus Arts Festival will host its ‘Fashion as Art’ runway show on Friday, June 7, at 8 p.m. on the Genoa Park Main Stage. Organized by local designer Celeste Malvar-Stewart, the event will feature avant-garde and high-end couture from four Columbus-based designers. The show aims to highlight the artistic merit of fashion. The runway show is free to attend and is part of the larger Columbus Arts Festival, which runs from June 7-9.
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