CreativeOhio Reveals Finalists For Champion Advocacy Awards
The ceremony will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.
CreativeOhio has announced the finalists for the 2026 CreativeOhio Champion Advocacy Awards, which will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the historic Palace Theatre in Columbus, Ohio.
This year's luncheon reception will showcase the Greater Columbus region, celebrating local community leaders, educators, businesses, and artists whose advocacy has strengthened the state's creative sector.
2026 Honorees
Individual Advocate Champion
- Larry James, Managing Partner, Columbus Operations, Amundsen Davis
Arts Educator Champion Finalists
- Meg Brown, Children's Education Director, Thurber House
- Dr. Elle Pierman, Director of Education & Community Engagement, BalletMet
- Dr. Mark Sholl, Performing Arts Coordinator, Hilliard City Schools
Business Champion Finalists
- Orange Barrel Media
- Pizzuti Companies
- PNC Bank
Artist Champion Finalists
- Suzan Bradford Kounta, Executive Director, Lincoln Theatre
- Lance Johnson, Painter & Mixed Media Artist
- Celeste Malvar-Stewart, Fashion Designer, MALVAR=STEWART
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Larry & Marion Fisher
About the Awards
The CreativeOhio Champion Advocacy Awards honor Ohioans who enrich their communities through leadership and advocacy in support of the arts, culture, and creative sector. Each year, the awards spotlight a different region of the state, bringing together civic, business, and creative leaders to celebrate the power of advocacy.
Launched in 2023, the Awards build on the legacy of the William R. Joseph Advocacy Medal, honoring the lifelong advocacy work of Ohio Citizens for the Arts co-founder, William R. Joseph.
“Advocacy is about more than speaking up for the importance of the arts - it's about building the relationships, collaborations, and public support that make a thriving creative sector possible ” said Sarah Sisser, Executive Director & CEO of CreativeOhio. “This year's finalists exemplify that kind of leadership, and we are proud to recognize their commitment to advancing the arts and creative economy across Central Ohio.”
Honorees Announced Live
While finalists have been announced, the winners in three categories will not be revealed until the luncheon itself. Guests will be the first to hear who is named the 2026 Champion Advocacy Award recipients during the program.
Celebrate the 2026 Champion Advocacy Awards at the Palace Theatre in Columbus on October 14th. Guests will enjoy a plated lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m., followed by the awards program at 12:00 p.m.
For more information about the event and this year's honorees, visit creativeoh.org.
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