Libraries, Universities, Festivals, and Cultural Organizations

	Key Findings Roughly one-third of Ohio's universities (32.3%) currently house, rent space or act as a fiscal agent for arts organizations. The majority of universities (92%) have arts programs, events and exhibitions that are open to the public. The majority of libraries (93.9%) are wheelchair accessible. 89.7% have restrooms that are wheelchair accessible. 80.4% provide sign language, audio description or large print materials. Ohio ranks second in the nation for attendance at festivals, according to the National Endowment for the Arts' Survey of Public Participation in the Arts. The majority of festivals (97%) are wheelchair accessible. About one-half of festivals (48.2%) publicize their accessibility. However, 86.2% of festivals do not provide sign language, audio description or large print materials. Libraries, universities, festivals and cultural organizations give the arts and culture in Ohio a "B." Arts and cultural programming at libraries The types of arts and cultural programming vary at libraries and include plays, theatre, readings, lectures and film. The majority of programs are for young audiences. Who is attending? The table below illustrates the demographic makeup of those attending library arts and cultural events. Demographic variable The following percentages denote the number of libraries reporting that these groups regularly attend library arts and cultural events Gender Male 66.3 Female 95.0 Race Caucasian 94.7 Asian or Pacific Islander 61.8 African American 65.4 Other Racial Group 69.6 Hispanic 62.6 Non-Hispanic 91.0 Age 0-12 95.5 13-17 72.5 18-25 68.4 26-35 81.8 36-45 87.2 46-55 88.1 56-64 89.9 65 or older 87.2 Universities that offer arts and cultural programming 92% of university events are open to the public, and the majority of these events are concerts. More than half of colleges and universities offer lectures, exhibitions, concerts and plays to the public. Who is attending? The table below illustrates the demographic makeup of those attending university arts and cultural programs, arts events and art exhibitions. Demographic variable The following percentages denote the number of colleges and universities reporting that these groups regularly attend arts and cultural events at their institutions. Gender Male 92.5 Female 97.1 Race Caucasian 94.1 Asian or Pacific Islander 60.3 African American 61.8 Other Racial Group 72.1 Hispanic 45.6 Non-Hispanic 91.2 Age 0-12 43.3 13-17 47.8 18-25 77.6 26-35 74.6 36-45 83.6 46-55 88.1 56-64 86.6 65 or older 80.6 Festivals that offer arts and cultural programming While the majority of Ohio's festivals offer arts and cultural programming, and there is much happening in the area of arts and culture at festivals, no particular type of event stands out. Who is attending? The table below illustrates the demographic makeup of those attending festival arts and cultural events. Demographic variables The following percentages denote the number of festivals reporting that these groups regularly attend festival arts and cultural events Gender Male 80.6 Female 97.8 Race Caucasian 98.5 Asian or Pacific Islander 55.6 African American 62.7 Other Racial Group 67.0 Hispanic 55.2 Non-Hispanic 92.0 Age 0-12 82.0 13-17 74.0 18-25 82.0 26-35 92.3 36-45 95.7 46-55 96.9 56-64 95.0 65 or older 86.4 Cultural organizations that offer arts and cultural programming Only about half (51%) of these organizations have cultural programs which are open to the public. Given the wide range of groups in this category–and the special audiences that they are likely to serve–this may not be a surprise. Who is attending? The table below illustrates the demographic makeup of those attending the arts and cultural events of cultural organizations. Demographic variables The following percentages denote the number of cultural organizations reporting that these groups regularly attend arts and cultural events at their organizations Gender Male 86.8 Female 95.2 Race Caucasian 94.0 Asian or Pacific Islander 57.6 African American 65.9 Other Racial Group 70.7 Hispanic 57.1 Non-Hispanic 94.8 Age 0-12 80.5 13-17 76.6 18-25 75.8 26-35 81.0 36-45 87.9 46-55 90.9 56-64 92.6 65 or older 90.5 Accessibility All organizations were asked to report on accessibility. The following are the totals for each area of accessibility: The above are highlights of the data collected about Ohio's libraries, festivals and cultural organizations. For a complete picture of the data, see: lufcodataanalysis/SOAR (PDF Document) lufcoappendix1/SOAR (PDF Document) lufcoappendix2/SOAR (PDF Document) Further Information