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
Tommy Hensel, President
Elgin Community College
Eric Olmscheid, Vice President
Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University
Tianna Conway, Secretary
Carthage College & WI Presenters Network Chair
Laurel Canan, Treasurer
Siegel Artist Management
Sara Barasch
IMG Artists
Bill Blagg
Bill Blagg Magic & Ilusion
Gail Boyd
Gail Boyd Artist Management
Jared Duymovic
Marcus Performing Arts Center
Kevin Horton
William Morris Endeavor
Timothy Mar
Arts Management Group
Derrick McBride
Dance Theatre of Harlem
Nicole Mulder
Theatre L'Homme Dieu
Lisa Rock
Close to You / Lisa Rock Entertainment
Ichun Yeh
Sozo Media
