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Fortescue, who has been with the art museum since 2011, will serve with 37 others from various arts organizations throughout the state to promote excellence in the arts, advocate directly with legislators, government leaders and other influential leaders and to build membership.
The nomination, from Michael Roediger, Ohio Citizens for the Arts vice president and CEO of the Dayton Art Institute, came as a surprise.
“Michael reached out to me and asked,” Fortescue said. “I looked at their action plan and decided it was something I was passionate about and dedicated to.”
Fortescue will represent the greater Springfield area along with fellow city resident and OCAB board member Ross McGregor.
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She also looks forward to touting the area’s unique arts offerings, and would like to host local and regional events to discuss issues with community and elected officials.
“The more voices singing Springfield’s song, the better for our creative economy as a whole,” Fortescue said.
It’s not just the big events that are worth sharing statewide, she said, but smaller possibly lesser known things such as the Wittenberg Series, churches, area arts groups and places including Urbana and beyond.
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The board will be especially active in 2018 with a new governor to be chosen in the fall, making sure the arts are on the various candidates’ radars. Since the arts can help the local economy and tourism, she’s sees it as an important resource.
The Springfield Museum of Art has seen attendance boosts and drawn visitors and even members from cities outside the area in recent years. It was designated a Smithsonian Affiliate museum and continues to showcase Ohio artists, such as its current exhibit “Art 360: Contemporary Art Hatching Across Ohio.”
“There’s a wealth of talent in our state to share and we are happy to share that,” Fortescue said.
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