COLUMBUS, OH–Columbus City Council approved the 2013 GCAC annual contract on March 18, enabling the continued funding of arts organizations and artists in Columbus. A permanent reallocation of the city’s hotel/motel tax approved two weeks ago by City Council increases GCAC’s proceeds from 1.5 percent to 1.59 percent. The increase will result in approximately $500,000 additional dollars in the 2013 GCAC budget.
The increase is a result of process undertaken last year that involved city leaders, the arts, tourism and human services to determine more sustainable funding options for all three sectors.
“We are grateful to Mayor Michael Coleman, Council President Ginther and all the members of City Council for spearheading this process and demonstrating their faith in ability of the arts and cultural sector to contribute to our vibrant community,” said GCAC President Milt Baughman.
The increased funds for GCAC likely will be distributed across existing programs, as well as allow the opportunity to explore potential new funding programs.
For The Columbus Dispatch article on this issue visit http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2013/03/19/arts-council-gets-500000-boost-from-city.html
For more information on GCAC go to gcac.org.
About the Greater Columbus Arts Council: Through vision and leadership, advocacy and collaboration, the Greater Columbus Arts Council supports art and advances the culture of the region. A catalyst for excellence and innovation, we fund exemplary artists and arts organizations and provide programs, events and services of public value that educate and engage all audiences in our community. GCAC thanks the City of Columbus, Franklin County and the Ohio Arts Council for their continued support.
CONTACT: Jami Goldstein
(614) 221-8492
jgoldstein@gcac.org
