A fresh chapter begins at Dublin Arts Council as we welcome Merijn van der Heijden as our new Executive Director. With a distinguished career spanning continents—from her native Netherlands to various leadership roles at Denison University, University of Florida, and 20 years at The Ohio State University—Merijn brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision for Dublin's artistic future.

What makes Dublin's art scene special? As Merijn explains, it's our "strong citywide commitment to public art and accessibility" that sets us apart in the Central Ohio region. Our community has created a unique balance between honoring historic works like Field of Corn (or 'Malcolm's Corn' as she affectionately calls it) while embracing innovation and new perspectives. This integration of art into public spaces and natural settings makes creativity part of our daily experience rather than something confined to gallery walls.

Looking forward, Merijn envisions Dublin as a creative hub for regional collaboration, with focus on deepening community connections through lifelong learning and embracing technology. Exciting upcoming events include Sundays at Scioto concert series starting September 14th, Chilean artist Alejandro "Mono" González's mural project at Riverside Crossing Park in October, and an exhibition by Japanese potter Masayuki Miyajima from our sister city Mashiko. At the heart of all these initiatives is Merijn's belief that art never exists in isolation; it thrives on engagement, creates spaces for meaningful conversation, and builds empathy and belonging through creativity.    We invite you to join us in this journey by attending events, volunteering, sharing your ideas, and being part of Dublin's vibrant artistic community.