A Word from our Board Chair

The arts mean big business for central Ohio.

In the summer of 2007, Americans for the Arts released a national study focused on the economic impact of the arts and culture in 156 communities nationwide. Arts & Economic Prosperity III provides compelling new evidence that the nonprofit arts and culture industry is significant in Columbus, generating $330.39 million in local economic activity each year. And the impact of the arts and culture sector in Columbus is growing. In a 2002 economic impact study, the arts and culture industry accounted for $265 million in local economic activity. That’s a 24 percent increase in activity over four years, in a time when many industries have been faced with economic hardships.

Each year, the unofficial theme for GCAC’s Business Arts Partnership Awards is “The Arts Give Life to the City.” We strongly believe that an investment in the arts is an investment in the quality of life for our city. And we know from national research that arts education cultivates future arts audiences and a creative workforce, because the arts develop the imagination, refine cognitive and creative skills, impact developmental growth and strengthen problem-solving and critical-thinking skills for every child. But the Arts & Economic Prosperity III report reminds us that an investment in the arts is also an investment in Columbus’ economic well being.

It has been a privilege for me to serve as Chair of GCAC’s Board of Trustees, and I thank my fellow board members and the GCAC staff for the work they do every day to further the local arts and cultural community. I know that with continued leadership and collaboration, the arts and culture in Columbus will continue to flourish.

Sincerely,
DeeDee Glimcher
Chair, GCAC Board of Trustees