Speaking to a crowded house at the Lincoln Theatre April 6, Mike Gonsiorowski, regional president of PNC Bank, announced some details of a new, 3-year, $1.5 million arts funding initiative provided by the bank called Arts Alive. It is designed to support visual and performing arts in a 14-county area of Central Ohio.
Arts Alive more than doubles the current money PNC donates to fund various arts programs in the area. The initiative's main objective is to award "challenge grants" to organizations that create fresh and innovative programming, woo unorthodox and diverse audiences including the underprivileged and incorporate technology.
May 7 is the "phase I" deadline for grant applications, which amount to $25,000 and more. More information on grant submissions is available by visiting www.pncartsalive.com.
PNC's objective behind the initiative is simple.
"Arts are a necessary catalyst for growth, long-term community development and education for our children," says Gonsiorowski. "This is about more than just writing a check, it's about building partnerships and a stronger community."
The announcement comes at a welcome time, when many arts organizations have seen dramatic cuts in funding.
"This commitment shows that PNC is blazing a trail that the arts community can rely on and it comes at a very critical time," says Columbus City Councilwoman Priscilla Tyson. "The arts bring visitors to the city, they enable job growth and job development and a strong quality of life."
Tyson pointed out the revitalization of the host venue Lincoln Theatre to pinpoint her example. Before the overhaul of the theatre two years ago, the surrounding area was "blighted."
"Now there is a coffee shop, the Gideon Building, there are new condos being built, small businesses are thriving in this area," Tyson says. "... All because of an investment made in one building. One investment can make things happen."
Also speaking at the event were Julie Henahan, executive director of the Ohio Arts Council (OAC), and Nanette Maciejunes, director of the Columbus Museum of Art and chair of the Columbus Cultural Leadership Consortium (CCLC).
Guests were entertained by the Grove City High School show choir, Touch of Class, singing a rendition of Kool and the Gang's Celebrate, with the lyrics "Celebrate the arts, come on."
PNC has collaborated with community arts partners, including the CCLC, the OAC, the Greater Columbus Arts Council, the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) and the Columbus Foundation to bring the PNC Arts Alive initiative to fruition.