The Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) and the Columbus Cultural Leadership Consortium (CCLC) * applaud the efforts of the Financial Review and Advisory Committee (FRAC) to identify and explore options for increased investment in Columbus as a great place to live, work and visit.
We are grateful for the leadership shown by Mayor Coleman and Columbus City Council in creating the Committee and the dedication of its members, particularly Tom Katzenmeyer as Chair. As the FRAC explored ways to fund arts and culture, human services, and travel and tourism to support community economic development, the organizations which lead these efforts came together to provide support, research, and creative solutions to benefit all.
The arts and cultural community, represented by GCAC and CCLC, supports increased financial investment in our member organizations as well as our colleagues at Experience Columbus and within the human service community as strength in one sector enhances strength in the others, and allows us to maximize our individual and collective economic impact on the community.
“The FRAC report supports CCLC’s long held assertion that a vibrant arts and culture community significantly contributes to the economic vitality and attractiveness of a city to both residents and guests,“ said Bruce Harkey, Executive Director of the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and Chair of the CCLC. He added, “This report supports additional investment in the Columbus arts and cultural institutions as a necessary step toward that vitality.”
Milt Baughman, President of GCAC, stated, “The Columbus arts and cultural sector stands at a critical juncture, and we now have a unique opportunity to enhance the sustainability of the arts community for the future. We look forward to working with community leaders, our colleagues in tourism and human services, and the members of the FRAC to discuss and pursue appropriate funding options. We are confident we can all work together to raise the quality of life for all our residents.”
*CCLC Members: BalletMet, CAPA, CATCO, Columbus Children’s Theatre, Columbus Museum of Art, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO), COSI, the Franklin Park Conservatory (FPC), the Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC), Jazz Arts Group (JAG), King Arts Complex, Lincoln Theatre Association, Opera Columbus, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, Shadowbox Live, Thurber House and the Wexner Center for the Arts.
Read the Update on the Arts Funding Solution Request to find out how you can help increase the vitality of the arts in Columbus.
CONTACT: Jami Goldstein
(614) 221-8492
jgoldstein@gcac.org
