The McConnell Arts Center delivered an impressive year-in-review to City Council on November 10, reporting over 27,000 visitors through its doors and earning recognition as the fourth-ranked cultural institution in Columbus.
City Support Draws Regional Attention
Executive Director Kim Goodman opened her presentation by emphasizing that the City of Worthington's grant continues to be the MAC's largest source of financial support—a fact that surprises arts leaders in other communities.
"When I share this outside of our community, I'm met with shock, a little jealousy, and lots of questions," Goodman said. "Folks are in awe of the fact that the city would not only appreciate the importance of the arts, but to also fund it."
The MAC's 2026 grant request includes a 3% cost-of-living increase, consistent with guidance the city provided to all community grant recipients.
Record-Breaking Arts Festival
The Worthington Arts Festival drew nearly 30,000 visitors to the Village Green this year—believed to be the largest attendance in the event's history. Nearly 300 artists applied for 127 available spots, and the festival earned a place back on Sunshine Artists' top 200 list nationally.
A post-festival survey revealed that 60% of local businesses reported a positive economic impact from the event.
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Dramatic Growth in Programming
The MAC has expanded significantly under Goodman's leadership. When she started in June 2021, the organization offered about five classes per term. Today, they offer 50, with roughly 35 running each term based on enrollment and scheduling.
Summer programming also saw major growth. After shifting from hosting rental camps to running MAC-exclusive programming, attendance doubled across eight weeks of summer camps.
A generous donor funded a new projection screen for the theater after noticing the old one was held together with duct tape. The MAC used that gift to launch a new film series this season.
The organization also opened a gift shop in the basement—converted from a former computer room—providing another avenue for resident artists and teaching artists to sell their work and earn income.
Community Impact
Beyond paid programming, the MAC provided its space at no cost to community groups on 33 occasions during the year. Over 1,000 children under age 18 were directly engaged through MAC programs.
One particularly meaningful initiative was an exhibition by the Returning Artists Guild, a group of artists who are currently or formerly incarcerated. The exhibition included a program with local high school students.
"I think it was one of our most impactful moments at the MAC last year," Goodman reflected.
The MAC also continues to host other Worthington organizations on Sundays, including the Worthington Chorus, Worthington Chamber Orchestra, and Worthington Community Theater.
Cultural Connection Series Brings World-Class Artists
The MAC's Cultural Connection series has brought performers from Havana, New York City, and Scotland to Worthington. This season, the MAC received its first-ever Greater Columbus Arts Council grant to support this programming, along with continued funding from the Ohio Arts Council.
One highlight featured a Colombian folk harp player who worked with students from Chamber Music Connection on Friday before performing Saturday night, with many students and their parents attending the concert.
"We're actually making money putting on concerts—don't tell anyone," Goodman said with a smile. "It's very hard to do and we're finding a way."
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Financial Growth and Sustainability
The organization has grown from approximately $750,000 in operating budget in 2021 to nearly $1.2 million today. The MAC is working toward a goal of having individual donations match the city's annual grant.
"We are on track to meet that next fiscal year," Goodman reported.
Council Response
Council members praised the MAC's growth and community partnerships.
Councilmember Beth Kowalczyk expressed excitement about the MAC earning "the respect of central Ohio, if not the state" and noted the tremendous expansion in both offerings and quality.
Council President Rachael Dorothy emphasized the MAC's strong community partnerships, including collaborations with the Historical Society and Veterans Alliance, saying "the opportunity for arts in the community, it's just fantastic."
Upcoming: Passport to the Arts Gala
The MAC's annual fundraising gala will be reimagined this March as "Passport to the Arts." Attendees will receive a printed passport at the door with incentives to visit every classroom in the building—including the dance and ceramic studios in the basement that many longtime supporters don't know exist.
After attending other Worthington fundraisers this year, Goodman said she realized the MAC's pricing was higher than comparable events and reduced ticket prices to encourage broader participation.
Residents can purchase early bird tickets for $75 through December 31, 2025. Prices increase to $100 on January 1.
The MAC's presentation was part of City Council's annual budget review of community groups receiving direct city grants. The 2026 budget vote is scheduled for the first meeting in December.