Maroon Arts leaders gave Barnett Fellows and a visiting prospective student a tour of their performance and exhibition space located on Mt. Vernon Ave. in Columbus’ historic Bronzeville district. From left to right: Sheri Neale, Diettra Engram, De’Avin Mitchell, Leigh Ziegler, Emily Hutlock, visiting graduate student, Candice Igeleke.
DE’AVIN MITCHELL:
This year, the Barnett Field School has opened up the opportunity for me to connect with arts leaders in Columbus who are engaging with and developing community-based arts practices. These practitioners shed light on the ways institutions can leverage local knowledge to produce sustainable programs and initiatives that are relevant to the communities they hope to target. This particular iteration of the Field School has also broadened my perspective on Black arts organizations communities in Columbus. In relation to my research, these conversations with arts leaders have exposed me to contemporary issues arts institutions are managing that I hope to also be mindful of in my writing.
EMILY HUTLOCK:
On its face, the Barnett Field School is a place to explore research interests. But in reality, the Field School is so much more. Being a graduate student in a new city just after the pandemic can get very lonely. My peers in the Field School provide support, community and humor that never fails to brighten my day. On top of that, we travel across Columbus exploring a different arts organization each week. These visits inspire honest conversation about issues facing future arts administrators. The Barnett Field School has not only provided essential networking opportunities but allowed us to understand the complexities of the arts in Columbus. It has broadened my mind, my research and my community.
Leigh Ziegler:
The Barnett Field School has given me the opportunity to explore my research topics and ideas within the Columbus arts community. With the site visits, I feel that I am representing Ohio State and myself at a bigger level, where I learned about what artists and arts organizations are currently facing. The experience of the field school allows me to fully thrive as a student, and these opportunities further give us ways to bridge our student community to the greater Columbus area.
