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In a world where creativity knows no boundaries, the vibrant halls of the College of the Arts make a canvas for artists of all abilities. Nearly 1,100 guests gathered at the Arts Without Limits 2024 event on Oct. 9 as the air buzzed with inspiration and new perspectives on artistic career paths.

Though many artistically minded students may believe that they must sacrifice comfort for creativity, the Arts Without Limits event is designed to showcase the endless possibilities of future creative careers. Many partners such as the John S. and Marlene J. Brinzo Center for Entrepreneurship, �鶹ӰԺ’s , LaunchNET �鶹ӰԺ State, and sponsored the event.  

Highlighting the array of artistic fields for creative students is integral to the mission of the College of the Arts.

“We recognized the need to help our students develop an entrepreneurial mindset in the arts, and to encourage them to apply what they learn at �鶹ӰԺ State in ways they’ve not yet imagined,” Nick Petrella, event organizer, told �鶹ӰԺ State Today. Petrella, an entrepreneur-in-residence in the Brinzo Center for Entrepreneurship, is an assistant professor in the College of the Arts, where he leads efforts in arts entrepreneurship.

Guest speakers in the fields of theatre, fashion, art, game design, dance, music and marketing prepared presentations for attendees interested in arts entrepreneurship including �鶹ӰԺ State and high school students, alumni and the general community alike. Speaker sessions ran the entire day, offering insight into creative processes and journeys.  

“The arts economy is much bigger than performing or teaching,” Petrella said. “Our featured speakers have included performers and visual artists, we’ve also had gallerists, theatrical make-up artists, backline company founders, fashion influencers, animators, entertainment law attorneys, an actor-turned-public speaking coach, and more.”

Rachel Halaszi, a student at Tallmadge City Schools, is interested in pursuing a career in the arts and attended Arts Without Limits as part of her career program, The Academy of Future Entertainment Professionals.

“It is nice to hear the speakers’ creative journeys since they are successful in their careers,” Halaszi said. “It goes to show that it is totally possible to build a career in the arts.”

With an emphasis on exploring your own artistic strengths and capabilities, Arts Without Limits will continue to inspire students and other attendees by sharing the stories of successful artists.  

“We hope the attendees will be inspired after interacting with successful arts entrepreneurs and realize they don’t have to be starving artists,” Petrella said. “While success can imply financial rewards, it’s also about the opportunity to create your own path.”

The next Art Without Limits event is scheduled for Oct. 8, 2025.

Learn more about the College of the Arts.

See more pictures from the 2024 Arts Without Limits.

Banner image: Gennie Neuman Lambert (left) and Jenica Jenik (right) show students about theatre design, technology and production.