FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2008
Contact:
Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission: Jessica Fagan – 614.995.7552; jfagan@culture.ohio.gov
COSI: Kelli Nowinsky – 614.629.3114; KNowinsky@mail.cosi.org
Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission
Approves $1 Million for COSI
Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission approved $1,000,000 at its quarterly meeting today for a number of capital improvements projects at COSI.
COSI, the 21st century science and learning center, will utilize state funds to address exterior and interior signage and way-finding issues and to renovate existing space for exhibits. A new large-scale LCD sign will be installed on the corner of Belle and Broad Streets to assist patrons in locating the facility. Inside the facility, color-coded exhibit corridors, new signage, and way-finding carpet will help direct patrons to exhibits and other offerings in the building. In addition, a 15,000-square-foot hallway on the first floor will be transformed into the new Technology and Innovation showcase, which will highlight the latest in technology and innovation from Ohio companies. COSI opened in 1964, and in 1999 relocated to the former Central High School building on the west side of downtown Columbus. The science museum has 100,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, a seven-story Extreme Screen theater, and hosts world class traveling exhibitions throughout the year.
The Commission approval, coupled with the signing of legal agreements, allows COSI to be reimbursed on a pro rata basis with funds appropriated in Am. Sub. H.B. 699 of the 126th General Assembly. Franklin County General Assembly members who voted in favor of the bill include Senators David Goodman, Ray Miller and Steve Stivers; Representatives Joyce Beatty, Larry Flowers, Jim Hughes, Jim McGregor, Dan Stewart and Larry Wolpert; and former Representatives Mike Mitchell, Linda Reidelbach, and Geoffrey Smith.
The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission is a state agency that helps enhance the quality of life for Ohioans by improving the state’s cultural facilities. Since 1988, the Commission has disbursed nearly $400 million of capital funds appropriated by the legislature and Governor for facility improvement projects at non-profit theaters, museums, historical sites and publicly owned professional sports venues. The Commission partners with non-profit groups and local governments on nearly 250 projects in 65 of Ohio’s 88 counties. For more information on the Commission, visit www.culture.ohio.gov.
COSI is one of the most respected science centers in the nation, serving more than 19 million visitors since 1964. COSI features more than 300 interactive exhibits throughout our discovery-based and themed exhibition areas. COSI’s groundbreaking, award-winning education programs have touched more than six million teachers and students. For more information on hours and rates go to www.cosi.org
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