2026 | Presented by the University of Michigan Arts Initiative
Great Lakes
Arts Leaders Forum
Funding the Arts Today
Tuesday, April 21, 10 a.m.
The Arts Initiative at the University of Michigan is gathering leaders and advocates from across our region for thoughtful conversation and collaboration, aimed at strengthening and sustaining a vibrant arts ecosystem in the Great Lakes.
10 a.m.
Welcome
Sara Blair, vice provost for academic and faculty affairs
opening remarks
Matthew VanBesien, president of the University Musical Society (UMS)
Agenda
10:15
Feature presentation
Arts journalist Brittany Moseley of Signal Akron, the 2026 Arts Initiative-Knight Wallace Arts Journalism Fellow, will share insights from her research on recent successes and challenges in the arts funding landscape
10:35
panel discussion
Moderator: Christina Olsen, director of the University of Michigan’s Museum of Art (UMMA)
Torrie Allen
president & CEO, Arts Midwest
Representative Jennifer Conlin
Michigan’s 48th House District
Deb Polich
former president & CEO, Creative Washtenaw
Sarah Sisser
executive director & CEO, Creative Ohio
Livestream concludes
11:30
Working Conversation
Engage directly with presenters and fellow attendees in collaborative dialogue led by Mark Clague, executive director of the Arts Initiative
noon
networking lunch
Connect with colleagues and fellow arts advocates over lunch.
1 p.m. Event concludes
