A task force was created by a dedicated group of performing arts professionals following the announcement of the pause of the Arts Midwest Conference with a goal to identify a solution to the gap left without the regional industry conference. The original task force was comprised of presenters, agents, and self-represented artists who worked together for several months to design a new model. This new model included the decision to create a non-profit corporation to move plans ahead for a new conference.
Heartland Performing Arts, Inc. is a non-profit corporation governed by a board of directors representing a cross-section of agents, managers, presenters, and artists dedicated to the mission of bringing together arts professionals to encourage innovation, create educational opportunities, strengthen artist touring relationships, and support arts advocacy throughout the central United States.
Heartland Performing Arts Board of Directors
Eric Olmscheid, President
Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University
Jennifer Ross, Vice President
Walton Arts Center
Sara Barasch, Secretary
IMG Artists
Tommy Hensel, Treasurer
Elgin Community College
Tara Bailey
Bailiwick Booking Agency
Lindsay Bauer
Fairfield Arts & Convention Center
Bill Blagg
Bill Blagg Magic & Illusion
Gail Boyd
Gail Boyd Artist Management
Tianna Conway
Moraine Valley Community College
Shantel Dow
The Sheldon
Jared Duymovic
Cadenza Artists
Kevin Horton
William Morris Endeavor
Kerith Iverson
Québec Government Office Chicago
Sarah McCarthy
Dandelion Artists
Gary Minyard
Dayton Live
Lisa Rock
Close to You / Lisa Rock Entertainment
