Five Artists to Watch

Pulse

Five Artists to Watch

We may be known best as the home of Buckeyes football, but don't discount the impact of Columbus' arts scene. The proof isn't in a stadium full of fans; it's in the numbers.

According to a survey recently conducted by Americans for the Arts, more than six million people annually attend arts events in Central Ohio. Arts and culture organizations generate more than $300 million for the local economy, of which more than $180 million comes from audiences.

The organizations also account for about $220 million in household income. On average, Columbus generates more economic activity around the arts than cities of comparable size.

Another sign of the arts scene's good health is its constant state of change. Like a body growing and shedding cells, the city sees an annual influx of new artists and performers from CCAD, OSU and other Central Ohio institutions, just as other artists and performers take off for larger and potentially greener pastures. The cycle of renewal tends to affect the organizations that support the arts as well.

At this moment in time, there are many artists, curators and performers in the Central Ohio area worth keeping an eye on. What follows are five examples of people who are working hard to keep the local arts landscape changing for the better. Some are also working to spread the word about Columbus arts and culture outside of I-270.

—Melissa Starker

THE FIVE ARTISTS TO WATCH:

September 6th, 2007