CLEVELAND — Gov. Mike DeWine announced Friday that $23.2 million in grants have been awarded to arts organizations around the state. 

What You Need To Know

  • A total of 139 organizations in 35 counties will receive the funds, which are part of the first round of the Ohio Arts Economic Grant Program

  • The program, which was created in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly, has a total of $50 million available

  • More than 400 organizations applied for grants before the March 31 deadline

A total of 139 organizations in 35 counties will receive the funds, which are part of the first round of the Ohio Arts Economic Grant Program. The program, which was created in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly, has a total of $50 million available. A second round will be announced in a few weeks, DeWine said. 

“Ohio’s arts communities are an integral part of why Ohio stands out as a great place to live and a great place to visit,” said DeWine. "These grants will help ensure that communities continue to have access to the programming and learning experiences Ohioans love.”

Funding will go toward operating costs, rent or mortgage payments, employee compensation, recruitment and more. 

“Our vibrant arts scene is an essential part of who we are,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “By supporting the work of our local arts organizations, we’re helping empower our creatives to succeed and showcasing Ohio as the heart of creativity.”

Organizations had until March 31 to apply to the program, and more than 400 submitted applications. In order to meet eligibility for the grants, organizations must meet these requirements:

  • Performing arts organizations that produce or present performance in music, comedy, the performing arts, or related fields.
  • Cultural arts museums that have a primary purpose related to exhibiting property for artistic or aesthetic purposes, including painting, drawing, design, sculpture making, ceramic making, printmaking, photography, video and filmmaking, graphic design, architecture, textiles, performing arts or preserving and interpreting the history, art, and culture of popular music and multidisciplinary art forms.

View the full list of organizations receiving grants below: