GCAC Expands Arts Partnership Awards Program

After 25 years of supporting the efforts of local businesses in connecting with the local arts community, the Greater Columbus Arts Council has expanded its Business Arts Partnership awards program, adding three new awards and changing the name to the Community Arts Partnership awards.

The new name and awards reflects GCAC's goal to honor the crucial work that both businesses and individual community members do to sustain the arts in Columbus. Awards will be given in the following categories: Small Business, Medium Business, Large Business, Arts Partner, Emerging Arts Leader and Arts Educator.

On Fri., Mar. 6 from noon-1:30 p.m. at COSI Columbus, GCAC will host civic, corporate and arts leaders for a luncheon, keynote speaker and presentation of the awards. Nominations are open to the public through Friday, January 16. To nominate, click here.

Strong partnerships between businesses, community members and the arts stimulate economic growth, promote the city's revitalization, encourage tourism and enhance Columbus' cultural image. CAP nominees' contributions can include financial support, non-cash contributions, volunteer involvement, board participation, community development through the arts, art patronage and more.

At the March 6 event, GCAC will also present the annual Artistic Excellence Award, which carries a $10,000 prize, to a local arts organization that has demonstrated risk, innovation and artistic excellence within the past year.

Proceeds from the Community Arts Partnership event will benefit GCAC's educational programming for children, including our Art in the House and Artists-in-Schools programs.

Click here to purchase an individual ticket or table for the CAP Awards luncheon in March.

Thanks to Time Warner Cable for supporting the 2009 Community Arts Partnership program.

Photo: National City President and CEO Mike Gonsiorowski accepts the 2008 Business Arts Partnership Award in the Large Business category from Mayor Michael Coleman and GCAC President Bryan W. Knicely.