Introduction

As the Ohio Arts Council prepares to enter the second decade of the 21st century, optimism prevails. After a six-year period of budget cutbacks, the OAC was awarded an 11.1% increase for the FY2008/2009 biennium. Support from the governor, the Ohio Senate, the Ohio House of Representatives and concerned citizens like you led to this unprecedented turnaround.

Planning for the future has been instrumental in keeping the OAC focused. The OAC is in the midst of a three-year strategic plan that has six broad goals:

• Invest in Ohio's rich cultural resources
• Communicate the value of the arts
• Help citizens of all ages learn and thrive through the arts
• Encourage and facilitate widespread participation in the arts
• Foster vibrant and healthy communities through the arts
• Sustain and cultivate strategic partnerships that broaden support for the arts

This is the first strategic plan to chart the OAC's course after major agency innovations including changes in programs and technology. Nearly four years have passed since the OAC restructured its funding programs by consolidating 24 programs into seven major grant categories. In addition, the agency launched OLGA, the OnLine Grant Application system, creating the first completely electronic application system. During these past few years we have listened to you and have made refinements based on your suggestions. Two new programs: the Artists with Disabilities Assistance Program (ADAP) and the Building Cultural Diversity Initiative (BCDI) are a direct response to actively serving the needs of special constituents so that all Ohioans can participate in and benefit from the arts.

There have also been other significant agency milestones including leadership succession. In 2006, Dr. Wayne P. Lawson, who served as executive director for nearly 30 years, retired and long-tenured staff member and former deputy director, Julie S. Henahan, was invited to assume that position after an extensive national search and interview process. Other departmental changes have resulted in personnel changes, which have brought new vitality, voices and ideas to the agency.

You can view the Ohio Arts Council's 2006-2009 Strategic Plan (PDF) and 2006-2009 Strategic Plan Executive Summary (PDF) for more information on the progress being made in each of the goal areas.

Our work is a partnership with your organization and your community. We strive to be one of the most "people oriented" government agencies in the state. Feel free to contact us at any time--pick up the phone; drop us an email; arrange a visit. We are here to help you. We do this not only through grant consultations, but through listening, providing suggestions, information resources and networking. Together we will enrich the lives of all Ohioans and make our communities vibrant places to live, work and learn.

Susan Saxbe, Chair, Ohio Arts Council Board
Julie S. Henahan, Executive Director, Ohio Arts Council