On July 17, 2009, Governor Ted Strickland approved the fiscal year 2010/2011 Biennium Budget for the Ohio Arts Council (OAC) at $13,188,578. 

Out of all state of Ohio agencies, the OAC received one of the largest percentage reductions for the biennium. This new funding represents a 38 percent reduction from the final 2008/2009 appropriation of $21.3 million and a 47 percent reduction from the original 2008/2009 appropriation of $24.9 million.

At a public meeting on June 29, the Council Board provisionally approved grants for fiscal year 2010, pending the finalization of the state budget by the legislature and the governor. The OAC will award 498 grants for a total of $4,654,239 to support arts organizations and arts programs across Ohio (compared to FY2009 awards of 480 grants totaling $7,876,540).

The Board reviewed 535 grant requests totaling $14,699,093. 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, $52 is raised in matching funds by recipient organizations.
 
For more information about the OAC and other current projects, visit the OAC Web site at: www.oac.state.oh.us.