Columbus Metropolitan Club: The Power of the Arts in a Changing City

This was a forum hosted by the Columbus Metropolitan Club on March 18, 2026, focused on the role and power of the arts in the evolving city of Columbus. The discussion featured Mitch Manchaka, the new president and CEO of the Columbus Arts Council, who spoke about the importance of public funding for the arts, the integration of art in public infrastructure projects, and the challenges and opportunities facing arts organizations in the region. Key procurement-related topics included the potential impact of proposed changes to Columbus' hotel motel tax funding, which could significantly reduce the Arts Council's share, and the use of capital improvement budgets to incorporate public art into city infrastructure projects. Manchaka emphasized the need for dedicated funding streams for public art, community engagement in art selection and maintenance, and building strong relationships with elected officials to sustain and grow arts funding. While no specific contract awards or vendor selections were detailed, the conversation highlighted policy and budget considerations that could influence future procurement and funding opportunities for arts-related projects in Columbus.