Franklin County Media

1 1 Cultivating Community Through Art: A Conversation with Columbus's Cultural Leaders

The latest episode of Talk of the County opens with County Administrator Kenneth Wilson hosting a discussion with two distinguished guests: Brooke Minto, CEO of the Columbus Museum of Art, and Tom Katzenmeyer, CEO of the Greater Columbus Arts Council. The engaging conversation delves into various aspects of art, culture, and their impact on the community of Central Ohio.

Tom Katzenmeyer highlights the collaborative efforts with local artists to create murals on plywood after the George Floyd murder and their documentation in a compelling book. He emphasizes their support for Transit Arts, recognizing the positive influence of art on the city's youth. The episode also showcases the annual event honoring emerging art talent from local high schools and the substantial investment of public funds into art. The commitment to championing creativity and innovation in young people is a key theme throughout the episode.

Brooke Minto shares her newfound interest in soccer and her support for the Columbus Crew's recent MLS championship win. The hosts and guests discuss the vibrant soccer culture in the city, the new soccer-specific stadium, and the strong community support for professional soccer. They also touch upon the transformative gift received by the museum from the Art Bridges Foundation, which allows free Sundays to continue through 2026.

The importance of art in creating a sense of wholeness and creativity, especially in a world heavily focused on science and technology, is a recurring theme. The guests and host highlight the planned public art initiatives funded by the Franklin County Commissioners that aim to create and maintain public art throughout the city and county.

Public art is celebrated for its role in fostering community identity and pride, as well as its substantial economic, health, and wellness benefits. The impact of specific public art installations, such as Janet Echelman's creation at the Gay and High Streets intersection, is also acknowledged.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the art community and its accessibility to all residents are highlighted. Tom Katzenmeyer emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in their programs, reflecting on the board, staff, and the Aminah Robinson Fellowship for black artists. Brooke Minto underlines the efforts to ensure the art museum reflects the evolving Central Ohio demographic and remains accessible to all audiences, especially with free admission for Franklin County residents on Sundays.

The podcast acknowledges the collaborative effort involving private and public entities, including the city, arts council, arts institutions, and philanthropists in bringing public art projects to fruition. The potential for public art installations to attract tourists and drive economic development is also discussed, along with the positive impact of cultural tourists on the local economy.

Brooke Minto shares pleasant surprises and challenges at the Columbus Museum of Art, including national