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Ohio Arts Council Receives $20 Million In CARES Act Economic Relief For The Arts

WYSO | By Jerry Kenney

Published November 19, 2020 at 3:09 PM EST

In September, thirty Midwestern arts and culture organizations received COVID-19 relief grants from Arts Midwest through the United States Regional Arts Resilience Fund. The funds were provided by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the cultural economy, the businesses and the people that make their living creating music, food and art.

But soon, some Ohio arts organizations will get some new financial support now that CARES Act funding for the arts has been approved by The Ohio Controlling Board.

The Ohio Arts Council is getting $20 million from the state. They’ll be granting that money back out to local arts organizations who apply before the end of the year.

“Organizations will be eligible to submit a worksheet to us that demonstrates their need and their expenses that have been impacted by COVID-19," says Justin Nigro, the Arts Council’s director of operations and public affairs. "Even if they aren't sure if their organization is eligible, we're encouraging them to apply as well. That way, we'll get a better sense of what the need is in the state."

In September, 30 midwestern arts and culture organizations received COVID-19 relief grants from Arts Midwest through the United States Regional Arts Resilience Fund. The funds were provided by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

While those grants helped, Nigro says overcoming the economic challenges brought on by the pandemic is especially important for arts organizations, whose missions are to improve quality of life and bolster communities throughout Ohio.