National Endowment for the Arts Awards $1 million Grant to the Ohio Arts Council
by Amy McKay

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), an independent federal agency, has awarded the Ohio Arts Council a $1,018,100 Partnership grant. This is the second year in a row that Ohio has received the second-largest Partnership grant for state arts agencies in the nation, exceeded only by the grant awarded to California.

"The annual support we receive from the NEA is extremely important to our agency, and we are very grateful for the NEA's investment in our work," said Julie S. Henahan, executive director of the Ohio Arts Council. "This grant will help us in our mission to make the arts accessible to all Ohioans through a variety of programs and services with a special emphasis on rural and underserved communities, arts education and traditional arts."

NEA Partnership grants are competitive grants awarded based on two primary criteria--first, a formula based on population, and second, the competitiveness of the arts council's work. According to the NEA's review panel, the Ohio Arts Council is "a national leader among the state arts agencies and in arts education" and "an agency that works consistently at a high level and is known for its excellence."

NEA Partnership grants provide support to 55 state, jurisdictional and territorial arts agencies, six regional arts organizations, the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, and Pacific Resources for Education and Learning. In total, the NEA awarded more than $52 million through this category. It is important to note that state Partnership grants supplement--not replace--state funding for arts programs, services and activities.

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.

About the National Endowment for the Arts

The NEA was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government. To date, the NEA has awarded more than $4 billion to support artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities. The NEA extends its work through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector.

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