Born into a family of musicians, George Barrett has deep roots in the performing arts.
He chose a different career path and doesn’t often find himself on stage. But that career path has allowed him to put a lot of energy into supporting those who do make their living in the arts.
Now, the CEO of Cardinal Health, who spent some time as a musician after college, will be recognized for that support.
Head shot courtesy of Cardinal Health; concert photos by Scott Cunningham
In May, Barrett will receive the 2016 Arts Patron award during the Governor’s Awards for the Arts in Ohio.
“For the category of Arts Patron, George Barrett’s unyielding commitment to arts and culture, both personally and professionally, led to a unanimous decision by the selection committee,” says Donna Collins, executive director of the Ohio Arts Council, which organizes the awards.
Last year – with help from the Cardinal Health Foundation, the Columbus Foundation and some anonymous donors – Barrett co-founded the Performing Arts Innovation Fund. The fund provides the Columbus Performing Arts Prize, a series of grants awarded to local performing arts directors.
In 2015, the grants – ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 and totaling $169,000 – went to the directors of Harmony Project, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, Opera Columbus, BalletMet and Jazz Arts Group.
An anonymous panel selects recipients and projects. The fund was designed to be flexible enough to support artists’ innovation and inspiration.
“It’s about supporting their dreams and encouraging others to do that,” Barrett says.
Originally from Connecticut, Barrett has found the Columbus arts community welcoming and appreciates the opportunity to work closely with artists and administrators.
“I think we have some really sensational artists in the area,” Barrett says.
The existing talent in town in turn can attract other skilled individuals to the area, Barrett says, helping to maintain a vibrant arts community.
“That’s what makes the city rich,” he says.
That creative growth is also important from a business perspective. Cardinal Health employees and potential employees want to work in a place that is energetic and thriving, Barrett says.
“The arts can make that happen,” he says.
Though Barrett doesn’t often get the chance to show off his own musical chops, he did perform this past June at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Road Show at Shadowbox Live. He performed – among other songs – “Blackbird” by the Beatles, despite some initial misgivings about playing in public.
“I have, over the years, always been a little bit reluctant to cross this line,” Barrett said at the show.
The Governor’s Awards are presented May 18 at the Columbus Athenaeum. Besides Barrett, one other local institution will receive an award: the Harmony Project, for Community Development and Participation.
Sarah Sole is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
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