the arts are inherently collaborative

If this is your first encounter with the Arts Council, we’d like to tell you how we got started, what’s gotten us here, and where we’re headed next.

the arts are inherently collaborative

OUR STORY IS REALLY YOUR STORY

In late 2016, a group of people came together — some experienced professionals, some accomplished artists, some grass roots organizers, and some just everyday citizens, but all of whom were interested in the Arts — and and worked to create a formal Arts advocacy presence in our community. We didn’t know it at the time, but Gahanna was one of the last cities in central Ohio to establish a formal Arts presence. Some surrounding communities even had two! But as we began to research, we discovered how much potential there was for a Gahanna Area Arts Council, and how much work it would take to get us there. We met with Arts Councils from all across the country, as well as other active community groups right here in our hometown, and asked them for their best advice. And we consistently heard the same phrase: “You can’t do it alone.”

GAAC Vice President Bob Bowers, introducing the Council at Ignite.

“alone we can do so little. together we can do so much.”

– HELEN KELLER

By mid 2017, about eight months into our research, we realized exactly how our community could flourish. While other Arts Councils might have set themselves up in a silo in an attempt to distinguish themselves from the pack, ours had a unique opportunity: Just as life in Gahanna was incomplete without a proper Arts presence, the creative community of Columbus was incomplete without a collaborator in Gahanna. And how perfect, because what are any of us on our own? It’s only when we come together that we create magic.

THIS BECAME OUR IDENTITY

By January 2018, it came time to choose a symbol to represent our organization, and this is what stood out to us. On our own, we can’t do much. We’re one half of one whole. But as soon as we’re connected, we’re complete, and there’s no stopping what a creative community can do. We selected a simple square with one half of each of our letters, G A A C. At first, it might not look like much. But as they connect, each square completes its neighbor, until we’ve built an endless, seamless quilt that represents everyone in the Gahanna Arts. This mission isn’t about an art. It’s about the collective Arts. This movement isn’t about one of us. it’s about all of us.

we’re a collaborator of all, a competitor to none.

It’s a funny thing coming late to a party. There are so many communities vying for this region’s creative talent. And there are an equal number of other Gahanna charities doing amazing work in our city that depend on your generosity. So why start one more? Because rather than compete, or even merely co-exist with both of these groups, we’re actively looking to collaborate. That’s what  Art is! It’s inherently collaborative, fostering communication between artists and audiences, cultivating empathy, understanding, and cooperation. Which brings us to a very big question…

WANT TO COLLABORATE?

This research played a big role in the formation

of our mission, vision and values.

Are you ready to get involved?

Volunteer, Donate, or Join our ranks.