ABOUT US

Columbus has a rich history of music. Watch the video to discover the people and cultures that made it happen.

OUR HISTORY

The Columbus Music Commission was founded in 2016 by community members committed to supporting local music and strengthening the greater Columbus music community. The organization received 501(c)(3) status on July 14, 2016, and has since grown into Music Columbus, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting music education, career development, and professional opportunities throughout Central Ohio.

Since launching its first major program, Music Mondays, in 2018, Music Columbus has developed initiatives that connect musicians, industry professionals, and young people with the resources they need to grow. Key programs include Gift of Music (2019), which has distributed more than half a million dollars worth of instruments to support equitable music education; Earn As You Learn (2021), which connects young people with paid music industry internships; The Unheard (2021), which provides paid performance opportunities for emerging artists; and the Better Together Music Incubator (2023), which helps local artists build sustainable careers through education, mentorship, and professional development.

We believe that through the support of music, we can help build richer, happier, more vibrant lives for the people of our community. For more information about Music Columbus, formerly known as Columbus Music Commission, or any of our programs, please contact us.

DEI STATEMENT

Music Columbus recognizes that racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism, ageism, classism, and xenophobia amongst other inequities exist and are systemic in our community and the music industry. We are committed to undoing these historic injustices, having uncomfortable conversations to ensure continued growth, and actively creating a new, more equitable and inclusive community today. Since its inception, Music Columbus has counted inclusivity, transparency, and accountability as part of its core values. To honor and live these values, we must actively work to ensure equity and justice in the local, regional, and national music community and economy.

  • We commit to diverse outreach, active engagement, and conversation with historically marginalized groups to create a more inclusive environment and music community for all.
  • We implement change through actions, and create action-oriented strategies and goals for all of our programs and initiatives
  • We demonstrate and ensure accountability by being transparent with the public and community about our goals, and through regular updates and reporting on progress.

STRATEGIC PLAN