While the calendar year is only halfway over, the fiscal year is finished. We here at The Journal are happy to announce that for the 2014–15 fiscal year, we’ve been awarded our second consecutive matching grant of $833 from the Ohio Arts Council. This Arts Access grant will go toward paying expenses for one of our two yearly print issues.

Below, you can find more information from the OAC’s website about the council and its work with The Journal and in our Ohio communities:

The Journal is one of hundreds of cultural organizations that successfully competed for grants from the Ohio Arts Council this year. The OAC is a state agency with a fiscal year 2008 budget of $12,488,161 appropriated by the state legislature. Organizations that receive OAC funds are required to match state tax dollars with additional public and private funds. In general, for every state tax dollar invested, 45 dollars are raised in matching funds by recipient organizations. The Ohio Arts Council is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically. Studies show that when the arts are a significant part of a child’s education and are used to help teach humanities, science, and other curricula, cognitive and work skills are enhanced, creative and critical thinking skills develop, truancy is reduced and self-esteem increases. Ohio is home to thousands of artists who are vital to the state’s cultural richness. The OAC is committed to supporting their creative talent. Artists who receive grants participate in public presentations so the public can see the results of its investment firsthand. The OAC also supports local arts councils in cities and towns across Ohio. These local councils present programs in their communities ranging from festivals, exhibitions, and performances to educational programs for adults and children. Thanks to the state’s investment, cultural resources like The Journal are integral to the quality of life in Ohio.

The OAC and its sponsored organizations also maintain an event page here. Check it out! One recent OAC-supported event where you may have spotted Journal staff was the Columbus Arts Festival.

The Journal is looking forward to another year of showcasing great art here in the heart of it all. Thank you, OAC, and thank you, Ohio taxpayers!