Title
To recognize October 2026 as ARTober in the City of Columbus and celebrate Columbus’ Creative Community
Body
WHEREAS, October is recognized nationally as National Arts & Humanities Month, providing an opportunity to celebrate the artists, cultural organizations and creative experiences that enrich communities across the country; and
WHEREAS, Columbus is home to a vibrant and diverse creative community of artists, musicians, performers, filmmakers, designers, makers, cultural organizations and creative businesses whose work contributes to the identity, vitality and quality of life of our city; and
WHEREAS, the Greater Columbus Arts Council and its community partners are celebrating October as ARTober, a month long invitation for residents and visitors to discover, experience and support the arts throughout Columbus; and
WHEREAS, hundreds of arts and cultural experiences take place throughout Columbus each week, including performances, exhibitions, festivals, independent films, studio tours, public art experiences and opportunities for people of all ages to engage in creativity; and
WHEREAS, ARTober encourages residents and visitors to experience something new, discover local artists, attend performances and exhibitions, explore Columbus neighborhoods through public art and support the artists, arts organizations and creative businesses that contribute to our community; and
WHEREAS, Columbus’ growing collection of murals, sculptures, installations, interactive works and other public art enhances public spaces, celebrates the identities and stories of our neighborhoods and creates distinctive experiences for residents and visitors; and
WHEREAS, arts and culture are also an important part of the region’s economy, with Columbus’ arts, film and music sectors supporting more than 22,000 jobs and generating more than $2.1 billion in annual economic activity; and
WHEREAS, supporting local artists and cultural organizations by purchasing tickets, buying artwork, attending festivals and exhibitions, shopping from local makers and sharing cultural experiences helps sustain the people and organizations that make Columbus a vibrant and creative city; and
WHEREAS, ARTober provides an opportunity to recognize the important role that public and private investment in the arts plays in supporting a healthy creative sector and ensuring that arts and cultural experiences remain accessible throughout our community; and
WHEREAS, the Greater Columbus Arts Council and Columbus City Council invites all Columbus residents and visitors to celebrate ARTober in whatever way inspires them-to attend a performance, discover an artist, explore public art, purchase locally created work, visit a cultural institution or simply try something creative; and
WHEREAS, for 31 days, ARTober offers endless ways to experience one creative Columbus; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby recognize October 2026 as ARTober in the City of Columbus, celebrates the artists, arts organizations, cultural institutions and creative businesses that contribute to the vitality of our community, and encourages residents and visitors to experience, explore and support Columbus’ creative community throughout the month of October.