STP&A Conference 2026

The 2026 conference takes place at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

Published participant groups include researchers, policy-makers, educators, practitioners, artists, and students.

It is most worthwhile for academics and researchers in arts management and cultural policy, as well as arts practitioners and students, since it is described as the oldest gathering in the field and draws scholars from political science, sociology, law, museum studies and more, in its 50th edition at The Ohio State University. Attendees seeking sponsor-driven networking or commercial product content would get less, since this is a scholarly conference rather than a trade event.

Academic conferences usually call for business casual, such as slacks or skirts with a blazer or sweater, and artists in the mix often dress more expressively. Columbus in mid-October is cool, so layers and a light coat are practical for walking around campus.