Charles O. Anderson named 2026–27 Artist Laureate
The Ohio State University has selected Anderson, professor in the Department of Dance, as its 2026–27 Artist Laureate.
Anderson will begin a one-year appointment on July 1, 2026.
Anderson is an internationally recognized choreographer, scholar and educator whose creative research focuses on “kinetic storytelling.” Rooted in movement, voice and collaboration, his work invites audiences and participants to reflect on belonging, civic identity and cultural memory.
As Artist Laureate, Anderson will lead Croatoa: Re-Singing America’s Next 250 Years, a statewide community-authorship initiative that uses accessible creative practices to help Ohioans reflect together on shared histories and imagine collective futures. Designed as a series of two-day residencies, the project will connect Ohio State’s regional campuses in Lima, Mansfield, Marion and Newark with partner institutions including Denison University, Oberlin College and Ohio University. Anderson will be joined by a small traveling ensemble of Ohio State undergraduate and graduate students who will serve as facilitators and collaborators, gaining hands-on experience in community-engaged artistic leadership.
“Anderson’s initiative is a powerful example of what’s possible when our regional campuses serve as convening spaces for creativity, learning and community connection. By bringing Croatoa to communities across Ohio, and by inviting local partners and residents to help shape the work, we’re extending Ohio State’s land-grant mission and strengthening the ties between the university and the communities we are proud to serve.”
Each residency will welcome students, educators, artists and community members, and no prior artistic training is required. Participants will take part in hands-on workshops that use movement, voice and storytelling; facilitated “memory and testimony” gatherings grounded in oral history and community witnessing; and a participatory “wailing wall,” where individuals can contribute written reflections of lament, memory, testimony or hope. Drawing inspiration from Shakespeare’s The Tempest as a widely reinterpreted narrative about power, voice and recognition, Anderson’s project uses shared creative inquiry to build community conversation and expand civic participation through the arts.
“Charles Anderson’s work reflects the highest aspirations of the Artist Laureate program: artistic excellence in service of public engagement,” said Vice Provost for the Arts Lisa Florman. “Through Croatoa, he creates welcoming spaces where Ohioans can reflect, contribute and help author an evolving work together. His approach, grounded in collaboration, access and deep care for community voice, will make him an extraordinary ambassador for the arts across our state.”
The Ohio State Artist Laureate program began in 2023 to bring the arts to communities across Ohio through community-engaged projects led by Ohio State faculty artists. Anderson will serve as Ohio State’s fourth Artist Laureate.
