CreativeOhio’s review of Ohio’s FY27–28 Capital Budget found that one in four community projects supports arts, culture, history, or heritage.
Governor Mike DeWine has signed Ohio’s FY27–28 capital budget, directing millions of dollars toward projects that strengthen Ohio’s arts, culture, and community infrastructure.
While this biennium included less community project funding than the previous capital budget—which featured an unprecedented expansion of community project dollars from the One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund—the breadth of arts and cultural projects remained remarkably strong.
In fact, approximately one-quarter of all community projects funded statewide support museums, performing arts venues, historic theaters, arts centers, cultural organizations, historic preservation, and community assets that enrich Ohio’s quality of life and strengthen local economies. Based on CreativeOhio’s review of the legislation, roughly 202 of the 801 community projects in the bill have an arts, culture, history, or heritage connection.
Those 202 projects include investments in:
- Museums and cultural institutions
- Historic preservation and heritage sites
- Performing arts venues and historic theaters
- Music organizations and concert venues
- Arts centers and galleries
- History museums and historical societies
- Public art, creative placemaking, and cultural districts
- Science, nature, and interpretive centers
- Community gathering spaces with arts and cultural programming
CreativeOhio Members Receiving Capital Funding
Several CreativeOhio members received funding through the capital budget, including:
- Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra – $2.5 million for the Farmer Music Center
- Cleveland Museum of Art – $2 million for campus renovations
- The Cleveland Orchestra – $1.5 million for improvements to Severance Hall and $900,000 for Blossom Music Center
- Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) – Nearly $1.8 million for Central Presbyterian Theatre and $1.1 million for the Ohio Theatre
- Columbus Museum of Art – $1 million for facility improvements
- Akron Civic Theatre – $750,000 for roof replacement
- Contemporary Arts Center (Cincinnati) – $250,000 for facility improvements
- Beck Center for the Arts – $200,000 for elevator and facility improvements
- Westcott House (Springfield) – $200,000
- The Arts Commission (Toledo) – $100,000 for community space
Investing in places that strengthen communities
Capital funding often focuses on bricks and mortar, but its impact extends far beyond building repairs and construction projects. These investments preserve historic landmarks, improve accessibility, modernize cultural facilities, improve accessibility, expand educational opportunities, attract visitors, and ensure that cultural institutions can continue serving their communities for decades to come.
Beyond arts-specific projects, the capital budget supports hundreds of community investments that contribute to vibrant places across Ohio—from riverfront improvements and parks to community centers, fairgrounds, and recreation facilities. These projects help create the kinds of communities where arts and culture can thrive.
The legislation includes $208.3 million in community project funding, ensuring every Ohio county receives support for locally identified priorities.
CreativeOhio applauds the Ohio General Assembly and Governor DeWine for recognizing that arts and culture are essential components of thriving communities. The continued inclusion of creative projects throughout Ohio’s capital budget demonstrates that these institutions have become recognized as important public assets that strengthen every region of the state.
FY27–28 Capital Budget By the Numbers
- 202 arts and culture-related projects identified by CreativeOhio
- ~25% of all community projects support creative, cultural, historical, or heritage assets
- 20 CreativeOhio member organizations received community project funding
- $12.25 million awarded to those member organizations through community projects
