The Ohio Alliance for Arts Education (OAAE), a statewide arts education service organization, was founded in 1974 under the leadership of Dr. Dick Shoup and Jerry Tollifson. The organization has evolved overtime into a nationally recognized leader in arts education. Much of the organization’s success is based on a strong partnership among the Alliance, Ohio’s professional arts education organizati
ons (Ohio Music Education Association, Ohio Art Education Association, OhioDance, VSA Ohio, and the Ohio Educational Theatre Association), the Ohio Arts Council, and Ohio Department of Education. Working at the local, state, and federal levels through the efforts of a highly qualified and elected Board of Directors, our members, and a professional staff we have four primary areas of focus: building collaborations, professional development, advocacy, and capacity building. OAAE is funded in part for its day-to-day operation by the Ohio Arts Council. This support makes it possible for OAAE to operate its office in Columbus and to work statewide to ensure the arts are an integral part of the education of every Ohioan. Other support comes from Ohio Music Education Association, Ohio Art Education Association, Ohio Educational Theatre Association, VSA Ohio, OhioDance, Ohio Citizens for the Arts, and other OAAE members and donors. The Community Arts Education programs of central Ohio are financially assisted by the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, the Ohio Arts Council, the Greater Columbus Arts Council, and other donors. We gratefully acknowledge and appreciate the financial support received from all of these outstanding agencies, organizations, and individuals throughout Ohio.
