COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Greater Columbus Arts Council board of trustees today approved 25 grants totaling $3,543,398 in Operating Support, through funds that the Arts Council receives from the city of Columbus through the hotel/motel bed tax.
“The organizations that receive Operating Support are the keystones of our cultural community. In addition to presenting world class productions and exhibitions that bring tourism and national media attention to Columbus, they annually support more than one million arts education opportunities for Columbus school children,” said Tom Katzenmeyer, president & CEO of the Greater Columbus Arts Council. “The leaders of these organizations understand the importance of community, and they serve Columbus by mentoring others in the arts and providing education, outreach and free opportunities that ensure access to the arts for all members of our community.”
Under the 2019 grant guidelines, nonprofit arts organizations with a budget over $150,000 that meet the eligibility criteria can qualify for unrestricted Operating Support funding. Applicants must demonstrate exemplary artistic achievement and significant impact on the city’s economy and tourism, as well as fiscal responsibility and strong leadership.
The Arts Council awarded $3,543,398 in Operating Support grants to the following 25 organizations:
| Organization | Grant Amount |
| Actors Theatre | $29,396 |
| Ballet Metropolitan, Inc. | $266,309 |
| CAPA | $266,750 |
| CATCO | $125,407 |
| Chamber Music Columbus | $23,738 |
| Columbus Children’s Choir | $17,972 |
| Columbus Children’s Theatre | $112,794 |
| Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus | $46,584 |
| Columbus Landmarks Foundation | $27,488 |
| Columbus Museum of Art | $261,250 |
| Columbus Symphony Orchestra | $272,250 |
| COSI | $269,500 |
| Franklin Park Conservatory | $255,750 |
| Gateway Film Center | $91,667 |
| Glass Axis | $62,107 |
| Jazz Arts Group | $157,632 |
| King Arts Complex | $136,276 |
| Ohio Designer Craftsmen | $99,507 |
| Ohio History Connection (Columbus operations only) | $82,753 |
| Opera Columbus | $120,203 |
| ProMusica | $163,818 |
| Shadowbox Live | $247,500 |
| Short North Stage | $95,691 |
| Thurber House | $62,806 |
| Wexner Center for the Arts | $239,250 |
Total: $3,543,398
In 2018, Operating Support grants totaling $3,435,719 were awarded to 25 organizations. The Arts Council welcomed three new organizations into Operating Support this year: Columbus Children’s Choir, Gateway Film Center and Ohio History Connection (for its Columbus operations only). Two previous Operating Support recipients, Ohio Art League and Friends of Early Music, moved to Project Support in 2019.
For more information on community funding, including guidelines and upcoming deadlines, go to gcac.org or contact Alison Barret, director of Grants & Services at (614) 221-8406 or abarret@gcac.org.
Mission of the Greater Columbus Arts Council: To support and advance the arts and cultural fabric of Columbus. www.gcac.org
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CONTACT: Jami Goldstein
(614) 221-8492
jgoldstein@gcac.org
