COLUMBUS — Arts grants of more than $2.4 million will be part of a third round of funding that will include $23,000 for the Black Swamp Arts Festival in Bowling Green.
An earlier round of funding included Lucas County.
“The grant funds will support the festival's mission, including supporting visual artists and musicians, as well as youth and teen art activities," said Mark Strang, chairman of the Black Swamp Arts Festival.
The Ohio Arts Economic Relief Grant Program awarded funding to 16 arts organizations in 12 counties. The money will help pay for employee compensation, recruitment, rehiring, training expenses, rent or mortgage payments, and operating costs.
“These investments extend far beyond individual organizations,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “The arts are crucial to creating an economy that attracts top talent, new investments, and tourism for our communities.”
About $43 million in funding was awarded to arts organizations as part of the program's first two rounds.
The program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. Awards were calculated based on organizations’ loss in revenue from 2019 to 2021 and their 2022 operating budgets.
For more information, visit Development.Ohio.Gov/ArtsGrant.
“Thriving arts programs are a sign of a vibrant and prosperous community,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “By supporting the arts, we’re nurturing the very spirit of innovation, unity, and self-expression that has made Ohio the heart of opportunity for residents and visitors alike.”
Staff writer Debbie Rogers contributed to this report.
First Published November 13, 2023, 12:52 p.m.
