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Building Diverse Audiences Advisory Committee (BDAAC)

The Building Diverse Audiences Advisory Committee (BDAAC) is a passionate group of multicultural volunteers who serve as advisors, ambassadors, and hosts for the Cincinnati Arts Association (CAA).

United by a shared commitment to connection and inclusivity, BDAAC works to welcome, engage, and inspire Greater Cincinnati’s communities through access to CAA’s world-class arts experiences.

Formed in 1996 in partnership with CAA’s Education and Community Relations Department, BDAAC developed an original strategic plan to expand and diversify audiences at CAA venues. As the cultural landscape evolved, so did BDAAC—revising its vision, growing its membership, and now embarking on a new strategic journey rooted in the belief that multicultural arts programming can unite communities and elevate Cincinnati as a vibrant, global destination for the arts.

 

BDAAC champions the power of arts education and fresh, diverse experiences that organically connect people across cultures and generations. Together with CAA, the committee upholds the belief that high-quality arts programming is a right—not a privilege—and is essential to a city’s cultural health and continued growth.

 

As trusted partners, BDAAC members actively participate in event planning, volunteer at community and CAA events, and amplify CAA’s mission through grassroots connections. Through their insight, energy, and lived experience, they help guide CAA’s efforts toward welcoming and belonging engagements—in the art we present, the communities we serve, and the policies and practices we uphold.

 

BDAAC is not just a committee—it’s a movement that celebrates culture, fosters belonging, and ensures the arts reflect the full richness of Cincinnati.

Community Members

  • J. Stephen Dobbins (Chair) – Assisted Transition of Greater Cincinnati &  Northern Kentucky
  • David Choate Jr., – Producing Artistic Director Revolutions Dance Theatre
  • Marvel Gentry Harmon – Commercial Account Executive at WINT-Water Intelligence
  • Marvin Hawkins - Cincinnati USA Music Heritage Foundation
  • Robert Lomax – Hamilton County Justice Center
  • Dr. Sunny Lu – UC Health
  • Ketki Mody – Excel Tours and Travels, LLC
  • Toilynn O'Neal – New American Art Gallery II
  • Evelyn Sears – Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board
  • Davette Shorter – B.True.2.U Hair Institute, Chief Executive & Marketing Officer, Professor of Marketing Northern Kentucky University

Cincinnati Arts Association Staff

  • Steve Loftin – President
  • Ryan Dupree – Community and Audience Engagement Manager – Committee Staff Lead
  • Bridget Benton- Chief Operations Officer
  • Jared O’Roark-Special Projects and Programs Manager
  • Joyce Bonomini – Vice President, Education & Community Engagement
  • Van Ackerman – Vice President, Marketing & Communications