Art Matters Panel Explores Opportunities for Artists Across Industries

Held at the Dayton Arcade’s Tank, the ART Matters: Dayton Art and Design Symposium brought together artists, designers, architects, and creative professionals from across the region for a full day of conversation and inspiration.

The event featured panel discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities designed to celebrate the role of art in our lives—and to explore how creativity drives progress in every industry.

The Modern’s President, Jessica Barry, joined a panel of regional leaders to speak on the importance of design, the opportunities it creates, and how the creative community can help students turn their passions into real careers.

She was joined by:

• Debi Chess, Director of External Relations and Development at Dayton Metro Library
• Andy Aidt, GSI Manager for Kettering, Ohio
• Lisa Hanson, President & CEO at Culture Works
• Michael Roediger, Director & CEO at The Dayton Art Institute
• Craig Gossman, Principal & Owner at the Gossman Group

The day concluded with a keynote address by Donna Collins, Executive Director of the Ohio Arts Council, and underscored the collective commitment to building a stronger creative future for the region.

The Modern remains dedicated to helping students discover their place in the creative world—and to connecting design with the needs of the communities we serve.