Culture

Ohio Arts Council Statements on $20 Million in CARES Act Economic Relief for the Arts

Posted on: Friday, October 30, 2020

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October 29, 2020, the Ohio Controlling Board approved $20 million in economic relief from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for the arts and culture sector to be distributed through the Ohio Arts Council (OAC). This funding was previously announced Friday by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, and legislative leaders of the Ohio General Assembly.

The OAC will regrant the entirety of the $20 million in federal CARES Act dollars without retaining any for overhead or administrative expenses. The OAC will release guidelines for eligible organizations. Pursuant to federal law, the OAC must expend CARES Act funds by Dec. 30.

“This significant investment comes at an urgent time to ensure the resilience of Ohio’s arts and cultural organizations. On behalf of the Ohio Arts Council, I deeply thank Governor Mike DeWine, House Speaker Bob Cupp, Senate President Larry Obhof, and legislators of the Ohio General Assembly.” – Ginger Warner, chair of the Ohio Arts Council

“The arts make us stronger. They are crucial to educating our children for the 21st century workforce, improving our quality of life especially in difficult times, and helping our communities restore their vitality. I am grateful that our elected leaders recognize the merit of providing relief for one of the hardest hit economic sectors.” – Jim Dicke II, vice-chair of the Ohio Arts Council

“Sound stewardship of tax dollars is critical to maintaining Ohioans’ broad support for public funding for the arts. This investment is essential to sustaining to the performing and cultural arts in Ohio, and the OAC stands ready and able to play a role in helping our state to recover from COVID-19.” – Donna S. Collins, executive director of the Ohio Arts Council

ABOUT THE OHIO ARTS COUNCIL
The Ohio Arts Council is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically. Connect with the OAC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or visit our website at oac.ohio.gov.