05/15/2026
Although it looks like things have been relatively quiet over here while we are building out the new space, we’ve been meeting non-stop with community partners, business owners, and legislators - sharing our story, advocating for the arts all across the city, and fundraising so that we can bring CPCA into full public life. We eventually made our way to the Columbus City Council and worked with Council Member Bankston’s office to secure a $197,000 grant to help get CPCA across the finish line to opening. Our Co-Director, Elisa, had the opportunity to speak in front of City Council on Monday and shared how the impact of this investment would be felt not only within the arts community in Columbus but throughout our new neighborhood, the city, and the region. We are stunned and just overwhelmed by the generosity of Council Member Nicholas Bankston and Legislative Aid JP Dorval who took the time to listen to our story and find space in the capital budget for our project. We will not forget the feeling of having a city council member proudly declare to the public that the arts are an integral and valued part of our city.
We are also indebted to Senator Hearcel Craig and Kylie Harper, and to City Council President Shannon Hardin and Jessica Clinger for listening and providing guidance, support, and enthusiasm. And an enormous thanks to CPCA print client, artist, and Legislative Aid, Amber Glendell-McClendon, who took time out of her busy schedule to connect us with legislative offices who could potentially support us.
We just want folks to know that there are people who are really willing to roll their sleeves up and work to make Columbus a sustainable place for artists. The impact of arts infrastructure goes beyond artists finding space and an audience for their self expression. It infiltrates every area of our social and civic lives in the form of community connection and support, cultural diversity, access to resources, community health and well-being, education, and the list goes on. We’re so excited to continue this work that feels like it’s actually just beginning. Thank you to everyone who we have come across this past year. You’ve made this vision real.
