COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Greater Columbus Arts Council Board of Trustees today approved 25 grants totaling $3,435,719 in Operating Support, funds which the Arts Council receives from the city of Columbus through the hotel/motel bed tax.
“We’re proud to once again award a record amount of funding to Columbus arts and cultural organizations,” said Tom Katzenmeyer, president and CEO of the Arts Council. “The 2018 funding recommendations represent a 16% increase over the past five years in funds to organizations receiving Operating Support. This allows these important institutions to continue offering world-class programming that drives cultural tourism and economic development in Columbus. We are grateful to the city of Columbus, Mayor Andrew Ginther and Columbus City Council for the funds that enable us to provide this critical support.”
Under the grants guidelines, nonprofit arts organizations of any budget size 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.
The Arts Council awarded $3,435,719 in Operating Support grants to the following 25 organizations:
| Organization | Grant Amount |
| Actors’ Theatre | $28,230 |
| Ballet Metropolitan, Inc. | $270,000 |
| CAPA | $245,000 |
| CATCO | $129,041 |
| COSI | $267,500 |
| Chamber Music Columbus | $26,256 |
| Columbus Children’s Theatre | $119,699 |
| Columbus Dance Theatre | $77,753 |
| Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus | $49,033 |
| Columbus Landmarks Foundation | $26,470 |
| Columbus Museum of Art | $252,500 |
| Columbus Symphony Orchestra | $260,000 |
| Franklin Park Conservatory | $262,500 |
| Friends of Early Music | $15,932 |
| Glass Axis | $67,174 |
| Jazz Arts Group | $154,581 |
| King Arts Complex | $134,888 |
| Ohio Art League | $7,336 |
| Ohio Designer Craftsmen | $100,172 |
| Opera Columbus | $122,205 |
| ProMusica | $161,516 |
| Shadowbox Live | $250,000 |
| Short North Stage | $76,453 |
| Thurber House | $66,480 |
| Wexner Center for the Arts | $265,000 |
TOTAL: $3,435,719
In 2017, Operating support grant totaling $3,389,733 were awarded to 27 organizations. Two previous Operating Support recipients, ROY G BIV Gallery and SRO Theatre Company, moved to Project Support in 2018.
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.
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, the Arts Council funds exemplary artists and arts organizations and provides programs, events and services of public value that educate and engage all audiences in our community. The Arts Council is supported by the city of Columbus, the Ohio Arts Council, and individuals and businesses throughout the community. www.gcac.org
###
CONTACT: Jami Goldstein
(614) 221-8492
jgoldstein@gcac.org
