Discover Sing Democracy 250, free America 250 arts resources, and how CreativeOhio members are celebrating Ohio’s semiquincentennial through music and culture.
Earlier this month, CreativeOhio Executive Director & CEO Sarah Sisser attended the final performance of Sing Democracy 250 in Washington, D.C., a national initiative that explored citizenship, democracy, and America’s ongoing story through music.
As Ohio prepares for America 250, the project offered a timely reminder that the arts do more than entertain. They create opportunities for people to reflect on shared values, engage with different perspectives, and participate in conversations about the future of their communities.
The performance featured two original large-scale works. Redeem the Dream, inspired by Langston Hughes’ 1935 poem Let America Be America Again, traced the evolution of Black musical traditions through gospel, jazz, and other influential American musical forms. US, inspired by Richard Haass’ The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens, explored the responsibilities of citizenship through music and storytelling.
The project itself reflected the same spirit of collaboration it celebrated on stage. Artists from across the country joined together for the four-city concert series, while more than 100 high school choirs are participating this year by performing the music and using accompanying educational resources in their own communities.
As Ohio’s America 250 celebration gains momentum, Sing Democracy 250, supported by the Charles F. Kettering Foundation, offers a resource for communities looking to incorporate music, dialogue, and civic reflection into their own programming. The project has made its music, educational materials, and performance resources freely available, giving choirs, schools, arts organizations, and community groups opportunities to engage with these works long after the concert series has concluded.
Dive Deeper into Sing Democracy 250
How a few of CreativeOhio’s members are celebrating 250
The Cleveland Orchestra
On July 3, the orchestra will present America at 250 at Blossom Music Center, celebrating the nation’s semiquincentennial with music by American composers, a performance of Lincoln Portrait, and a fireworks finale.
Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA)
CAPA is partnering with America 250-Ohio to present the state’s Signature Homecoming & Picnic in Columbus on July 4, with performances, films, historical programming, and community activities at the Ohio Theatre, Statehouse, and Columbus Commons.
Toledo Museum of Art
The museum will host one of Ohio’s four Signature Homecoming & Picnic celebrations on July 11, featuring artmaking, live music, family activities, and community gathering on the Glass Pavilion Lawn.
