Tuscarawas Arts Partnership director selected for advocacy institute

Wilma Mullet, executive director of the Tuscarawas Arts Partnership, has been selected as a member of the 2026 cohort of the CreativeOhio Advocacy Leadership Institute, a first-of-its-kind initiative that has become a nationally recognized model for statewide arts advocacy.

The program is aimed at empowering Ohio’s arts and culture leaders with the skills and strategies needed to advocate for a stronger creative sector. Mullet is one of 25 leaders chosen through a competitive application process, representing 13 cities across Ohio.

With the 2026 institute launching in May, the six-month immersive program includes hands-on workshops, site visits to cultural hubs and in-depth policy discussions with lawmakers and advocacy experts. Participants will gain practical tools to influence public policy, secure funding and strengthen the statewide network of arts advocates.

“CreativeOhio’s Advocacy Leadership Institute is an important effort to raise the bar on civic literacy and engagement among Ohio’s arts and culture leaders,” CreativeOhio Executive Director Sarah Sisser said. “We are excited to collaborate with this year’s cohort: an accomplished group of leaders representing diverse disciplines and communities across the state who are stepping forward to strengthen the collective voice of Ohio’s creative sector.”

Throughout the program, ALI members will collaborate with policymakers, industry experts and fellow arts and culture leaders to develop strategies that support the sustainability and growth of Ohio’s creative industries. The cohort includes professionals from a range of disciplines, from performing arts organizations to museums and independent artists.

“Being selected is both humbling and inspiring,” Mullet said. “This opportunity will allow me to expand my advocacy skills, connect with leaders across the state and ensure that the Tuscarawas Arts Partnership plays a key role in advancing Ohio’s creative sector.”

The CreativeOhio Advocacy Leadership Institute is made possible with support from The George Gund Foundation, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Greater Columbus Arts Council, Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile Jr. Foundation, Edwards Companies, Envisage Wealth and Charles F. Kettering Foundation.

For more information about the CreativeOhio Advocacy Leadership Institute and to see the full cohort, visit creativeoh.org/advocacy-leadership-institute-2026-cohort/.