Governor DeWine Announces Support for
Arts Organizations in Ohio
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik today announced grant awards of more than $2.4 million for arts organizations in Ohio.
The funding is part of the third round of the Ohio Arts Economic Relief Grant Program. A total of 16 arts organizations in 12 counties are receiving funding.
“Thriving arts programs are a sign of a vibrant and prosperous community,” said Governor DeWine. “By supporting the arts, we’re nurturing the very spirit of innovation, unity, and self-expression that has made Ohio the heart of opportunity for residents and visitors alike.”
“This grant program not only supports creativity but also promotes a better quality of life and thriving communities, ultimately spurring innovation and encouraging economic growth here in Ohio,” said Lt. Governor Husted.
Grants announced today will help pay for employee compensation, recruitment, rehiring, training expenses, rent or mortgage payments, and operating costs.
“These investments extend far beyond individual organizations,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “The arts are crucial to creating an economy that attracts top talent, new investments, and tourism for our communities.”
Approximately $43 million in funding was awarded to arts organizations as part of the program's first two rounds. The first round awarded more than $23 million to 139 organizations, and round two offered $20 million in funding for 104 arts organizations.
|
The grant program was created in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly as part of a bill sponsored by Sen. George Lang (R-West Chester). This legislation later became House Bill 45.
Organizations must have met one of the following criteria to be eligible to receive grant funding.
-
Performing arts organizations that produce or present performances in music, comedy, the performing arts, or related fields.
-
Cultural arts museums that have a primary purpose related to exhibiting property for artistic or aesthetic purposes, including painting, drawing, design, sculpture making, ceramic making, printmaking, photography, video and filmmaking, graphic design, architecture, textiles, performing arts, or preserving and interpreting the history, art, and culture of popular music and multidisciplinary art forms.
The program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. Awards were calculated based on organizations’ loss in revenue from 2019 to 2021 and their 2022 operating budgets. For more information about the program, visit Development.Ohio.Gov/ArtsGrant.
Additional Media Contact:
Ohio Department of Development
Mason Waldvogel, Deputy Chief, Media Relations
📞 614-961-1688
✉ [email protected]
-30-
|
