Raising the Curtain on Columbus’ Cultural Future

For 100 years, the Palace Theatre has been more than a stage—it’s been a symbol of what makes Columbus feel like a city.

Built for vaudeville and designed so every voice could be heard without amplification, the Palace has hosted generations of performers and audiences, evolving alongside the city itself. But behind the curtain, the performing arts are entering a new and uncertain act.

Audience habits have shifted. Costs are rising. Subscription models are under strain. And arts organizations—once seen as cultural amenities—are increasingly being asked to prove their value as economic engines, workforce attractors, and drivers of downtown vitality.

At the same time, policymakers are paying closer attention. A newly proposed statewide arts pass would make cultural experiences in Ohio more accessible while raising critical questions about revenue, sustainability, and who ultimately pays to keep the arts alive.

So what does it take to sustain a thriving arts ecosystem in a fast-growing city? From CAPA’s stewardship of historic venues and shared services model supporting local arts groups, to the broader role of the arts in tourism, talent attraction, and civic identity, this conversation will explore what’s working—and what’s at risk.

Join us ONSTAGE at the Palace Theatre for a very special CMC forum spotlighting the future of the performing arts in Columbus: who it serves, how it’s funded, and whether this city is ready to invest in its next century of creativity.

Featuring Suzan Bradford, Executive Director, Lincoln Theatre; Chad Whittington, President & CEO, CAPA; Remi Wörtmeyer, Artistic Director, BalletMet, with moderator Amy Juravich, Host and Executive Producer of All Sides with Amy Juravich, 89.7 NPR News, WOSU Public Media. Additional panelist to be announced.