New Chapter for the Idea Foundry Comes Through Partnership between CAPA and the City of Columbus

The Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) announced today that it has signed a lease with the City of Columbus and assumed operational control of the Idea Foundry makerspace in Franklinton, marking a new chapter for one of Columbus’ most important creative hubs. This transition comes through a partnership with the City of Columbus and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the city’s creative economy and supporting artists, makers and innovators.

A new nonprofit structure created by CAPA will manage operations at the Idea Foundry, drawing on CAPA’s decades of experience stewarding and operating arts and cultural spaces throughout Central Ohio. CAPA will provide leadership, expertise and strategic guidance to support day-to-day operations and ensure continuity for the community.

“The City of Columbus has demonstrated tremendous vision and leadership in

recognizing the importance of the Idea Foundry to our creative community,” CAPA

President & CEO Chad Whittington said. “We’re excited to partner with the city and provide stable, collaborative operational leadership that prioritizes thoughtful growth while preserving the spirit that has made the Idea Foundry such a vital resource.”

CAPA emphasized that continuity and stability will be central to its approach. The

organization recognizes the significant contributions of the Idea Foundry’s past and current members and their value to both the arts community and the broader Columbus community.

“Stewarding arts spaces is not new to CAPA,” Whittington added. “Our goal is to

create a stable, supportive environment for members, making key investments

in the space in support of their work, and gaining a deeper understanding of current

operations. Any changes will be implemented deliberately and collaboratively, with

transparency and care.”

Looking ahead, this new operating structure, with CAPA’s support, will work closely with stakeholders, the Franklinton community, and Columbus’ wider creative sector to explore fresh and innovative ways to integrate the performing arts into the Idea Foundry. This includes opportunities for performances, education and cross-disciplinary collaboration, all while maintaining the creative, maker-driven identity that defines the space.

City leaders praised the partnership as an investment in Franklinton and Columbus’

future as a cultural destination.

“The Idea Foundry represents the kind of city we’re working to build: one that is creative, welcoming and full of possibility,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “As Columbus grows, it’s critical that we invest in spaces where people can imagine, create, connect and prosper. This partnership is about stewardship and shared responsibility—bringing together public leadership and trusted nonprofit partners to ensure the Idea Foundry remains a place where artists, makers and innovators can see themselves in Columbus’ future.”