Columbus' rebounding arts and culture sector impacts city in multiple ways

Business Journals

05-05-2025

Having a vibrant arts and culture sector is important for any community. The arts industry not only enhances the quality of life, but also stimulates the economy by creating jobs, generating revenue, drawing tourists and helping attract and retain businesses.
Columbus has a lively arts and culture scene that's growing stronger. After weathering the challenges of the pandemic, our artists, arts organizations and arts venues are rebounding, fueled by a renewed sense of purpose and a stable source of funding.
The Greater Columbus Arts Council helped drive much of the growth and success of central Ohio's arts community during this turnaround. In 2024, GCAC invested almost $23 million through grants and awards to 114 organizations and 1,576 artists. This increased level of funding allowed these organizations and artists to reach more residents through workshops, education programs, free and discounted tickets and art in public spaces.
To help even more artists secure funding, in 2025 GCAC welcomed its third cohort of Navigators, a group of 25 artists who help connect other artists to GCAC resources, assist them with applications and bring feedback to GCAC staff. Since 2023 the Navigators have helped hundreds of artists, many of whom had never heard of GCAC, receive more than $540,000 in funding.
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It's always gratifying to hear from our artists and organizations about how these grants impact their lives and our community.
Mural Assistance grantee Miriam Baranov noted about Ice Cream Land, the mural she created recently on the west side: 'This mural has brought uplifting and elevated vibes to the plaza. Families have expressed their gratitude. Kids eagerly take photos with the interactive mural. The mural radiates good energy.'
Another grantee, Latino Arts for Humanity, said, 'Thanks to the GCAC Project Support grant, Day of the Dead Columbus has been able to benefit thousands of multicultural families in Columbus. Children, adults and diverse communities came together in one public space, enjoyed culture and art and united in one common feeling.'
With grantmaking at the core of our work, GCAC remains committed to ensuring the continued success of Central Ohio's art community, as it's an essential catalyst that brings people together, sparks creativity and supports the local economy. Last year alone, the region's combined nonprofit and for-profit arts and culture sector provided the following direct economic impacts:
GCAC recognizes that the dollars we are so fortunate to invest — thanks to the city of Columbus, Franklin County Commissioners, the Ohio Arts Council, The Ohio State University and all our funders — do not belong to us. That's why we keep our own staff as lean and efficient as possible while pouring 90% of our resources back into the community through organizational funding, artists grants, public events and community campaigns.
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What the region's arts and culture sector accomplished in 2024 is just the beginning. With continued community support, Columbus is solidifying its place as a standout arts hub, leaping ahead of peer metro areas and drawing attention as a model of local cultural investment. This momentum belongs to all of us. So, let's keep it going. Attend a show, visit a gallery, support a local artist. The arts are here, for everyone, all year round.
To discover the full impact of GCAC's funding on the community, including complete grants lists, significant program impacts and updates on initiatives please visit the 2024 Annual Report to the Community.
The Greater Columbus Arts Council supports artists and arts organizations through grant programs, workshops and services. GCAC also shares a variety of resources for artists, hosts and promotes ColumbusMakesArt.com to connect arts patrons with arts experiences, and produces the Columbus Arts Festival, June 6-8, 2025.