National Endowment for the Arts Awards $949,700 to Ohio Arts Council
by Malika Bryant and Elizabeth Weinstein

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has awarded the Ohio Arts Council (OAC) a Partnership grant in the amount of $949,700.

This award represents an increase of six percent over the OAC's FY2014 award of $894,600. Partnership grants are awarded by the NEA based on population and the competitive nature of the work done by the state's arts council.

"We are extremely pleased with this increase, especially given the ongoing challenges at the federal level due to sequestration," said Julie S. Henahan, executive director of the Ohio Arts Council.

"This additional funding will enable the OAC to expand support in the areas of arts education, artists with disabilities, underserved communities and community development," Henahan added. "We are also glad that the OAC has maintained its standing of receiving the second largest award to state arts agencies after California, an important indicator of the quality of the OAC's work - especially in arts education, the folk arts and support for underserved communities."

In a statement, NEA Acting Chairman Joan Shigekawa emphasized the importance in maintaining partnerships with state and local organizations across the country.

"Working in partnership with the state and regional arts organizations is a key element of the NEA's work in ensuring the arts are available to all," Shigekawa said. "These organizations help to extend the NEA's reach to thousands of communities across the country, while also carrying out innovative programming in such areas as education, creative place making and cultural tourism."

For the complete NEA press release, click here.

For a complete list of NEA Partnership grants, click here.

About the National Endowment for the Arts:
The National Endowment for the Arts 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. For more information visit the NEA at www.arts.gov.

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.

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