Conversations at OZ 2026 Keeps the Dialogue Going

A remark at a dinner party can leave a mark on the memory. That little quip or declaration burns into the mind for days after the last plate is cleared and the final goodbye is said. Such is the goal of Conversations at OZ — an evening of creative discussion meant to expand beyond the walls of OZ Arts Nashville. The annual event raises funds to support OZ’s mission to bring contemporary visual and performing arts to the city.

The evening opened with a private VIP reception. Thought leaders, tasked with hosting discussion tables at the main event, mingled with supporters and patrons. And co-chairs Alfred Degrafinreid II, Ken Levitan and Hunter Claire Rogers made sure to engage with as many guests as possible. Guests then made their way to cocktail hour in the performance hall, where a large crowd had already gathered, eagerly anticipating the night ahead.

Mark Murphy, OZ Arts Nashville’s executive and artistic director, talked about the legacy of Conversations. And cofounder and president Tim Ozgener reflected on the organization’s history. “It was a dream for us to bring contemporary performing arts and visual arts to Nashville,” he said. “We were inspired by what we saw in other markets. … And we were like ‘Why not Nashville?’”

Excerpts from Gorrión, a thought-provoking dance work, set the mood for the evening — and the 30 dinner parties about to get underway, helmed by musicians, writers, community leaders and more. 

Holly Kernan, Nashville Public Radio’s new president and CEO, invited her table to think about storytelling in a new way. “What stories do people already know about Nashville?” she asked. “What stories are not being told?” The allotted 75 minutes weren’t nearly enough for a full discussion. But Holly’s questions clearly captured something her media-savvy table guests think about frequently — and might still be considering, long after the night came to a close.