Award recognizes artistic innovation and collaboration in central Ohio
Columbus, OH (August 04, 2016)—The Arts Innovation Fund of The Columbus Foundation has awarded a Columbus Performing Arts Prize to support the next amazing collaboration between Columbus’ flagship performing arts organizations. BalletMet, the Columbus Symphony, and Opera Columbus will reunite for Twisted 2, the highly anticipated sequel to 2014’s smash hit, Twisted.
Led by Edwaard Liang, Artistic Director of BalletMet, Peggy Kriha Dye, Artistic Director of Opera Columbus, and Rossen Milanov, Music Director of Columbus Symphony Orchestra, this unique collaboration promises to wow audiences as the artistic leaders push themselves to new heights.
Together, this Columbus Performing Arts Prize is in the amount of $48,400 to the three nonprofits for enhanced costumes, staging, video equipment, and rehearsal time in The Ohio Theatre for the collaborative production.
“By celebrating and supporting exceptional artistic directors at our leading performing arts organizations, creativity blooms, resulting in a more vibrant community for all,” said Douglas F. Kridler, President and CEO of The Columbus Foundation. “I can’t wait to see what comes out of putting so many remarkable artists together on one stage. The Spirit of Columbus is sure to shine and sing bright as Twisted 2 takes over the Ohio Theatre.”
The three organizations will combine to create an experience unlike any other for four performances held September 22-25. Masterful choreography, lively classical works, and acclaimed operatic pieces will merge live on stage showcasing the world-class talent of Columbus’ professional singers, dancers, and musicians.
“The Columbus Arts Prize has broken down the barriers for us by financing the artistic elements we weren’t otherwise able to afford,” said Dye. “With this prize, we have been able to dream much bigger. We can’t wait to show Columbus!”
“This prize reminds me that we are doing great things, that we are supported, and that this city and community wants us to be here. It represents freedom."
Edwaard Liang, Artistic Director, BalletMet
“I am very grateful to the generous donors of the Arts Innovation Fund for supporting Twisted 2 and nurturing a creative collaboration, forming a unique Columbus experience,” said Milanov. “What a powerful message this award sends to our community!”
Columbus Performing Arts Prize recipients and projects are selected by an anonymous panel made up of a subset of the arts supporters and funders of the Arts Innovation Fund, a Donor Advised Fund at The Columbus Foundation established in 2015 by George Barrett, the Cardinal Health Foundation, The Columbus Foundation, and other anonymous donors. The purpose of the fund is to support the Columbus Performing Arts Prize.
The prizes are announced without any application process, or specified or regular timing, and are based on the projects themselves, as well as the artistic director’s track record of accomplishments through tenacity, imagination, and risk taking.
Learn more about Twisted 2 and get your tickets today.
About The Columbus Foundation
The Columbus Foundation is the trusted philanthropic advisor® to 2,400 individuals, families, and businesses who have created charitable funds and planned gifts to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible. Serving the region for more than 70 years, The Columbus Foundation is the seventh largest community foundation in the United States. The Foundation’s online marketplace, PowerPhilanthropy,® makes giving mobile, easy, and smart. For more information, visit columbusfoundation.org or call 614/251-4000.