Arts

The art scene in Columbus is constantly growing with budding artists, professional troupes and artists-in-residence creating an incredible place to live. Art in Columbus spans various mediums:

Visual

Around the city, you can find a number of institutions that are home to permanent collections and special exhibitions. These include:

• Columbus Museum of Art
• Wexner Center for the Arts
• Billy Ireland Cartoon Museum
• Pizzuti Collection
• Beeler Gallery at the Columbus College of Art & Design
• Short North Arts District

Performing

There is nothing like taking in a show in Columbus! The city is home to four large theaters (The Palace, The Ohio, The Southern and The Lincoln), as well as spaces that bring everything from ballet to an outdoor concert from the Columbus Symphony. Some of Columbus’ best include:

• The Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA)
• The Columbus Symphony, which puts on outdoor concerts for the Picnic with the Pops series
• The Brewery District's Shadowbox Live!, America's largest resident theater company that puts on a range of performances
• Short North Stage

Film

Columbus’ film scene is growing by the day. Around the city, you’ll find a wide variety of arthouse screening locations, like Studio 35 in Clintonville, The Drexel in Bexley, The Gateway Film Center near campus and the Grandview Theater in Grandview. The Wexner Center for the Arts screens avant-garde and rare historic films from around the world in its state of the art exhibition space called The Box.

Film festivals, like the Columbus International Film & Animation Festival and the Columbus Jewish Film Festival are another way to enjoy cinema.

To learn more about arts in Columbus, visit ArtsInOhio.com.

Cultural Arts

Around the city, the Cultural Arts are growing, sharing knowledge regarding the vast and significant contributions of diverse groups to the culture and history of America and the world. Some of these groups and locations include:

• King Arts Complex
• Maroon Arts Group
• Streetlight Guild
• Lincoln Theatre

Independent and College Arts

Columbus is home to many independent artists and college artists, making the city a creative place to live. The Ohio Arts Council offers support to independent artists, and there are many ways for students to enjoy the local art scene too.

Music Venues

No matter your taste in music, whether it be jazz, the symphony, the opera, Broadway shows, local bands, national touring acts chamber music and more, you'll find it here. You can find local musicians playing live any day of the week at clubs across the city like Little Rock, Brothers Drake Meadery, Ace of Cups and the Big Room Bar. National acts take the stage at venues like Newport Music Hall, KEMBA Live!, the Schottenstein Center and Nationwide Arena. 

Festivals

Columbus hosts many festivals, from gallery hops to special holiday events. A staple in the city is the annual Columbus Arts Festival.

Greater Columbus Arts Council

The Greater Columbus Arts Council funds artists and arts organizations and provides marketing services that support artists and organizations through the ColumbusMakesArt.com event calendar and Artist Directory.

Public Art Spots

Looking to enjoy some art around the city? Check out the Great Columbus Arts Council's list of public art spots and get exploring. Share photos of yourself around the city on social by using #CollegeinCBUS.