Governor Strickland approves Ohio Arts Council Biennium Budget

On July 1, Governor Strickland approved the 2008/2009 biennium budget. In addition to the 2.2 percent increase given to the OAC by the Governor in the executive version of the budget released in March, the House and the Senate each added $1 million to the OAC budget for the biennium for a total of $24,976,322. The result is an 11.1 percent increase from the FY06/07 biennial budget of $22,476,322.

At a public meeting on June 20, 2007, the Council Board approved grants for fiscal year 2008. The Ohio Arts Council will award 469 grants totaling $8,754,618 to support arts organizations and arts programs across Ohio. The Board reviewed 515 grant requests totaling $9,569,083. Recommendations to the Board were made by advisory panels that reviewed applications throughout the spring.
 

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 is 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.

For more information about the Ohio Arts Council and other current projects visit the OAC website at www.oac.state.oh.us.