Multiyear grant underwrites programming celebrating 100 years

of the Palace, Ohio, and Lincoln theatres

Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) announced it received a three-year, $180,000 grant from the PNC Foundation in support of its celebration of the 100-year anniversary of three of its historic theatres in Columbus – the Palace (2026), Ohio (2028), and Lincoln (2028) theatres.

The grant will support free community programs and events offered throughout the three years of the Centennial Celebrations, ensuring that CAPA’s Centennial Celebrations will serve the entire community. These programs will engage participants with the rich history of the arts in Columbus and offer accessible opportunities to experience joyful and enriching performances and to participate directly in the creation and practice of art.

“PNC’s commitment to CAPA and the arts, both in central Ohio and beyond, is remarkable. We are honored to have earned its continued support, in this instance for our Centennial Celebrations,” said Chad Whittington, CAPA President and CEO. “CAPA considers these Centennial Celebrations to be a testimony to the Columbus community and its support of the arts and of these historic spaces. This grant will ensure that we engage and thank as many community members as possible over these three years.”

Free community programming offered throughout our Centennial Celebrations will include:

• Events in each theatre to celebrate its anniversary, featuring tours, performances, and more: Palace (fall 2026), Ohio (spring 2028), and Lincoln (fall 2028).
• An event to celebrate the release of a new documentary about the theatres, including a screening of the film.
• Community arts days in each theatre, including a free educational performance and pre-show activities.

“At PNC, we recognize that supporting the arts is fundamental to building strong, connected communities and driving long-term prosperity,” said Mary Auch, PNC regional president for Columbus. “Our city’s three historic theatres are cornerstones of our cultural landscape – drawing visitors, energizing local businesses and strengthening a dynamic downtown that reflects PNC’s ongoing commitment to the success of this region.”

About the PNC Foundation

The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC), actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. The Foundation focuses its philanthropic mission on early childhood education and community and economic development, which includes the arts and culture. Through PNC Grow Up Great®, its signature cause that began in 2004, PNC has created a bilingual $500 million, multi-year initiative to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life.