By 1808Delaware
The Ohio Arts Council (OAC) board has taken a monumental step in supporting the state’s vibrant arts scene by approving $22,704,702 in grants. This substantial funding, announced at the July 24 meeting, will benefit Ohio artists, nonprofits, arts and cultural organizations, students, educators, and public arts programming. This marks the largest single round of grant awards distributed in the agency’s history.
Historic Funding Milestone
The 935 grants approved at this meeting constitute the major state fiscal year 2025 funding round for the OAC. This funding demonstrates the OAC’s unwavering commitment to fostering arts programming across all 88 Ohio counties, a feat it has achieved consistently for the past nine fiscal years.
The grants are a direct result of the state’s 2024-2025 operating budget, which includes a record-high state appropriation of nearly $51.1 million for the OAC over two years. This historic investment underscores the significant role that arts and culture play in the state’s economic and community development.
Leadership Support and Community Impact
OAC Executive Director Donna S. Collins expressed gratitude for the continued support from state leadership. “On behalf of the board, the Ohio Arts Council thanks Governor Mike DeWine, Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, and members of the Ohio General Assembly for their steadfast support of the arts. We are proud to invest such a significant amount of funding in Ohio communities and contribute to our state’s cultural vitality and importance,” said Collins.
This influx of funding will have a profound impact on local communities, enabling a diverse range of arts initiatives. From sustaining longstanding cultural institutions to fostering new and innovative arts programs, these grants will help enrich the lives of Ohioans and attract visitors to the state.
Delaware County’s Share of the Grants
Delaware County has been a significant beneficiary of the OAC grants. Here’s a detailed look at the funds allocated to various organizations and initiatives within the county:
| Program | Recipient | Location | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arts Partnership | Reaching Everyone in Distress Foundation, Inc. | Delaware | $8,027 |
| ArtSTART | Kaleidoscope Performing Arts, Inc. | Delaware | $3,320 |
| ArtSTART | Main Street Delaware, Inc. | Delaware | $3,588 |
| Ohio Artists on Tour | Boardman Arts Park, Inc. | Delaware | $1,033 |
| Sustainability | Boardman Arts Park, Inc. | Delaware | $5,204 |
| Sustainability | Central Ohio Symphony, Inc. | Delaware | $14,384 |
| Sustainability | Delaware County Historical Society | Delaware | $4,882 |
| Sustainability | Ross Art Museum/Ohio Wesleyan University | Delaware | $15,674 |
| Sustainability | The Arts Castle | Delaware | $22,608 |
| Traditional Arts Apprenticeship | Dipanwita Sengupta | Delaware | $3,528 |
| ArtSTART | The Wise Mosaic, Inc. | Galena | $3,588 |
| Sustainability | Spotlight Columbus, Inc. | Lewis Center | $4,715 |
| TeachArtsOhio | Genoa Middle School/Westerville City Schools | Westerville | $42,000 |
A Bright Future for Ohio’s Arts Scene
These grants highlight the OAC’s role in nurturing a thriving arts ecosystem throughout Ohio. By supporting a wide array of projects and organizations, the OAC ensures that the arts remain an integral part of the state’s cultural fabric. This significant financial boost will enable arts organizations to expand their reach, innovate, and continue to provide valuable cultural experiences to residents and visitors alike.
