On January 23, Douglas F. Kridler, President and CEO of the Columbus Foundation, announced a $200,000 grant to the Columbus Museum of Art overseeing the restoration project of the home of Columbus-native artist Aminah Robinson.

Before her passing in 2015, Robinson had appointed the Columbus Art Museum as the primary beneficiary of her estate. This restoration project of her home is a part of a greater effort to preserve Robinson’s home as the future site for artist residencies. A result of a collaborative partnership between the Greater Columbus Arts Council and the Columbus Art Museum, the Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson Residency “will be awarded annually to an African-American professional, visual artist and will include a stipend as well as space to live and work in the soon-to-be restored home.”

Robinson’s work transcends decades, and with each passing period, she creatively captured the African American experience through sculptures, drawings, books, mixed media paintings, and more. Known for her love of family and community, Robinson not only expressed the depth of the African American experience but also illuminated the beauty of other cultural communities. Through the stewardship of Robinson’s estate, the Columbus Museum of Art “will ensure that her body of work will both celebrate and transcend the stories of Columbus and resonate with communities everywhere.”

Columbus, Ohio (capital of the Buckeye State) is home to the Greater Columbus Arts Council, which is a member of the United States Urban Arts Federation, an alliance of the chief executives of local arts agencies in the nation’s 60 largest cities. These leaders advocate, network, and meet to discuss the social, educational, and economic impact of the arts in their regions. Columbus is also the host city for the Arts Leadership Forum in October of this year.

Photo of Aminah Robinson by Jeff Bates