MOUNT VERNON — Sixteen arts organizations in Ohio will share more than $2.4 million in state funding. Knox County Memorial Building Inc. is one of them.
The $11,695 in funding is part of the third round of the Ohio Arts Economic Relief Grant Program. The American Rescue Plan Act funds the program.
“We are honored to have received the Arts Economic Relief Grant,” Cheri Butcher, president of the Knox County Memorial Building Inc. Board, said. “The grant enables the Knox Memorial Theater to further its mission: enhancing community programming for upcoming events such as Christmas shows and facilitating continuous improvements, including crucial renovations like the storage project, ensuring a vibrant, dynamic space for all.”
“Thriving arts programs are a sign of a vibrant and prosperous community,” Gov. Mike DeWine said in a press release announcing the grants. “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.”
Arts organizations received approximately $43 million as part of the program’s first two rounds. The first round awarded more than $23 million to 139 organizations. Round two offered $20 million in funding for 104 arts organizations.
“These investments extend far beyond individual organizations,” Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, said in the release. “The arts are crucial to creating an economy that attracts top talent, new investments, and tourism for our communities.”
The Knox County Memorial board can use the money for employee compensation, recruitment, rehiring, training expenses, rent or mortgage payments, or operating costs.
Eligibility
Awards were calculated based on organizations’ loss in revenue from 2019 to 2021 and their 2022 operating budgets.
Organizations meeting one of the following criteria are eligible for the grant:
•Produce or present performances in music, comedy, the performing arts, or related fields
•Be a cultural arts museum whose primary purpose is related to exhibiting property for artistic or aesthetic purposes
For more information about the program, visit Development.Ohio.Gov/ArtsGrant.
