CAPA leads local list of CARES Act grants
More than 50 arts and cultural organizations in the Columbus area were among the beneficiaries Thursday when the Ohio Arts Council announced $20 million in federal grants awards.
The economic relief funding from the CARES Act was designated by Gov. Mike Dewine for the arts community and was divided between nearly 300 organizations statewide.
“This investment will go a long way in supporting the recovery and resilience of Ohio’s creative economy, which is among the pandemic’s hardest hit sectors,” Donna S. Collins, executive director of the council, said in a statement.
The largest award in Franklin County went to the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA), which owns the city’s major theaters. It received $422,600.
“We’re thrilled to get it. Every little bit helps right now, and something like that is a significant amount of dollars,” CAPA president Chad Whittington said.
“At the same time, as we’ve said before, it doesn’t solve our financial problem, since we have several million dollars we’re trying to make up,” he continued. “But it is an important piece, and we appreciate the recognition from the state and my thanks to the governor and everyone else who worked on getting this done.”
While the amount of the grants varied widely – some were as small as $700 – several other central Ohio organizations received awards exceeding $100,000. They include Balletmet ($235,500); CATCO ($108,700); Columbus Symphony ($282,700); Columbus Museum of Art ($249,000); Gateway Film Center ($108,900); Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens ($144,500); Jazz Arts Group ($121,000); Promusica Chamber Orchestra ($106,100); and Shadoart Productions ($190,100).
“The Columbus Museum of Art is thrilled to be among the many Ohio arts and cultural organizations to receive CARES Act support,” said Nannette V. Maciejunes, the museum’s executive director and CEO. “Many thanks to Gov. Dewine, the state legislature, the Ohio Arts Council and Ohio Citizens for the Arts for keeping the arts top of mind as we all struggle through these challenging days. We have been especially heartened that so many continue to look to the arts for inspiration and relief.”
Outside of Franklin County, large awards went to Stuart’s Opera House in Nelsonville ($130,200); the Newark Midland Theatre Association in Licking County ($139,800); and the Lancaster Festival in Fairfield County ($103,100).
The grant amounts were based on need and followed a formula that took into account each organization’s budget, according to the arts council.
Dispatch reporter Ken Gordon contributed to this report.