Cultural Arts Center Renamed to Commemorate Priscilla R. Tyson’s Impact on the Arts
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther today joined
current and former city officials to announce that the Columbus Recreation and
Parks Department’s Cultural Arts Center has been renamed the Priscilla R. Tyson
Cultural Arts Center. The honor was bestowed at a special event recognizing the
former councilmember’s life-long commitment to advancing the arts and quality
of life in the City of Columbus.
“Through her dedication to our
residents and advocacy for the arts, Priscilla Tyson has strengthened our city
in ways that will endure for generations,” said Mayor Ginther. “Her efforts
have helped to connect countless residents with the visual and performing arts
– a central component of any dynamic and inclusive community. We all owe her a
debt of gratitude for everything she has done to enrich our shared cultural
fabric.”
The arts also are a significant
contributor to the strength and vitality of the Columbus economy, generating
$412 million in economic impact annually. Columbus Recreation and Parks
Department Director Bernita A. Reese emphasized the importance of a thriving
and accessible arts community.
“We are thrilled to honor Councilmember
Tyson’s commitment to the arts, our residents and our city,” said Director
Reese. “Her advocacy has made the arts accessible to all and helped the
department fulfill its mission of connecting people through the power of
nature, wellness and creativity.”
Tyson’s many contributions to the arts
include:
- Supporting local artists by displaying their works in her gallery,
Star Arts Gallery.
- Serving as a member of the Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) for
more than 14 years, the longest tenure of any GCAC member.
- Advocating for the arts during her tenure on Columbus City Council,
including providing funding for public art and establishing the first
funding for the Columbus Arts Commission.
- Helping to revise the funding formula for the arts through her
service on the Creative Columbus Policy Steering Committee in 2009 during
the city's budget downturn.
- Providing funding to arts organizations and events including the
Columbus Performing Arts Association (CAPA), the Wexner Center for the
Arts and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.
- Advocating for Urban Strings, which was founded in 2007 to recruit
and support underserved minority youth who play string instruments.
“I am honored to be recognized today,”
said Tyson. “By continuing to bring attention to the arts, I can advocate for
our residents and our city, and connect even more residents with the many great
things Columbus has to offer.”
The Priscilla R. Tyson Cultural Arts
Center, located at 139 West Main Street in Downtown Columbus, has been home to
the Cultural Arts Center for more than four decades. Originally built in 1814,
the facility first served as a state penitentiary, then later housed weapons
and horses during the American Civil War. It was demolished in 1861 and rebuilt
as it exists today. Added to the National Register of Historic Places on July
18, 1974, it was transformed into the Cultural Arts Center with the help of a
$1.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, officially opening to
the public on June 11, 1978.
Today, the structure is part of the
Scioto Mile tourist district and features a ceramics studio, painting and
weaving labs, and two galleries. It offers community arts classes and programs
for artists of all levels, including Conversations
and Coffee, the city’s longest-running artist talks’ series. It is also
available as a community rental space.
More information can be found at https://www.culturalartscenteronline.org/.