View video tribute (4 minutes, 7M) ARTS ADMINISTRATION Barbara Nicholson, Columbus Nominated By: Dr. Roy M. Gottlieb

Since 1991, Barbara Nicholson has been the Executive Director of the King Arts Complex, a respected arts organization which annually hosts more than 40 diverse programs. Nicholson's vision for a premiere multidisciplinary arts institution dedicated to celebrating African-American contributions to arts and culture has been achieved in the King Arts Complex. Nicholson is recognized as a risk-taker in the arts community due in large part to her commitment to incorporate numerous cultural backgrounds and diverse groups in communicating universal issues and themes. Audiences at the King Arts Complex are exposed to provocative exhibitions and programs such as the Whites Only signage project. In the Columbus community, Nicholson has helped build cross-cultural understanding and reached out to a broader population. Through her tireless efforts in the community, Nicholson has taken advantage of opportunities for collaboration and the King Arts Complex has partnerships with the Wexner Center for the Arts, CAPA, COSI and the Greater Columbus Arts Council. Barbara Nicholson is an innovative leader who has been successful in developing the King Arts Complex and improving economic viability in the central Ohio region.