The Ohio Heritage Fellowships, sponsored jointly by the Ohio
Arts Council (OAC) and the Ohio Folk Arts Network, are designed
to recognize and honor the finest and most influential Ohio
folk artists. The Ohio Heritage Fellows represent Ohio's cultural
heritage, embodying the highest level of artistic achievement
in their work and the highest level of service in the teaching
and other work they do in their communities to ensure that
their traditions stay strong.
Each year since 2003, the Ohio Arts Council awards up to three
$1,500 Ohio Heritage Fellowships to individuals whose work
in the folk arts has had a significant impact on the people
and communities of the state. The Fellowships honor Ohio master
folk and traditional artists who carry forward the folk traditions
of their families and communities through practice, teaching
or advocacy.
Ohio Heritage Fellowships are awarded in any combination of
three categories: performing arts (folk dance
and music), community leadership, and material
culture (folk art and crafts). The performing arts
and material culture fellowships are given to individuals
for their lifelong record of artistic excellence, authenticity
and significance. The community leadership fellowship is given
to an individual whose lifelong achievements have had a lasting
positive impact on the excellence, vitality and public appreciation
of the folk and traditional arts in Ohio.
Nominations for the award are due to the Ohio Arts Council
in July. The winners are announced the following May, and
receive their awards at the Cityfolk Festival during the first
weekend in July. Anyone can nominate any Ohio resident for
a Fellowship. For full details, click
here.
2007 Ohio Heritage Fellows will be honored at 7:15 pm on Saturday,
June 30, on the National City Main Stage.
 The
2007 Ohio Heritage Fellowships are made possible in part by
the support of the Ohio Humanities Council, an affiliate of
the National Endowment for the Humanities.
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