Category: Tom Katzenmeyer
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Thoughts on diversity, equity, justice and a citywide book club
The team at the Greater Columbus Arts Council is ending the year by joining Let’s Talk About Race: One Book, One Community, a citywide book club, to read STAMPED: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi. When I first heard about this initiative, I immediately…
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When faced with adversity, the arts community responds with generosity & humanity
To say that 2020 has been challenging is a gross understatement. What I have found fascinating this year, is observing how people face challenges. The arts community, with its quickness to give more than it receives, once again has humbled me. Tom Katzenmeyer, president & CEO of…
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Want change? Step one: vote
Are you registered to vote? Is your circle of friends and family registered to vote? Have you started making a voting plan? These are questions I find myself asking everyone I come into contact with these days. It’s important. Tom Katzenmeyer, president & CEO of the Greater…
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Recording a moment within a movement
The Greater Columbus Arts Council has received dozens of messages related to the temporary murals painted on boarded up windows throughout the city. I’d like to give you an update on where things stand. Tom Katzenmeyer, president & CEO of the Greater Columbus Arts Council These murals…
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Black Lives Matter
Black Lives Matter. It is a straightforward statement that needs to be repeated, and mirrored with our actions. More than one-third of our nation does not feel safe or valued in their own country. I cannot begin to imagine the anxiety, stress or frustration that black people have to grow…
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The Path Forward
Yesterday Gov. DeWine announced the timeline for the first business re-openings in Ohio. Sadly arts venues were not among them, but we expected that. And while retail will be allowed to reopen on May 12, restaurants and bars remain closed without a projected reopen date, a hardship on many creatives…
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Grateful to Columbus for being Columbus
I’ve been practicing gratefulness a lot more lately. It’s an interesting twist of human nature that we often struggle to truly appreciate and feel thankful for the good things in our life–until they are gone. Tom Katzenmeyer, president & CEO of the Greater Columbus Arts Council But…
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Art heals and helps connect us all
“If during this time of social isolation; you read a book, listen to music, watch a film, get lost in a painting, please consider the work and the wage of an artist.” – COVID-19 Emergency Relief for Artists Fund Grant recipient, Stephanie R. Bridges Tom Katzenmeyer, president…
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A letter to the community about the Columbus Arts Festival
April 2, 2020 Dear Columbus Community The decision we share with you today is one of the single most difficult and heartbreaking we’ve ever had to make at the Greater Columbus Arts Council. Early this morning the Arts Council board of trustees voted to cancel the 2020 Columbus Arts Festival,…
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The people behind the numbers
We need data to make informed decisions, particular in times like the present… During this pandemic we need to listen to the people educated in the issue and follow their guidance. It’s incredibly hard when the data feels overwhelming and the guidance is heartbreaking because you know the impact it’s…
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Artists need your help now more than ever
March 23, 2020 We are in uncharted territory. Each day brings us new and frightening statistics about the virus amongst us and leaves us with more questions than answers. I, like so many, feel anxious, frustrated, and yes, at times, afraid. There is so much that I cannot control. I…
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We will get through this together
March 16, 2020 We will get through this together. The one thing I know about the people of Columbus is that we come together to help each other, especially when the going gets tough and the times turn bad. Sadly, while the next few months or longer will certainly be…