CINCINNATI, OH.- The Contemporary Arts Center announced today that it would waive admission fees to enter the galleries, thanks to the generosity of The Johnson Foundation and The 50, CAC's new young patrons circle comprising a group of diverse professionals who are committed to and advocate for contemporary arts and culture and have effected positive change in their own right in the city. Free admission will take effect February 13, 2016.

With an average annual attendance of 86,000, CAC already features a welcoming street-level presence in downtown Cincinnati with a Café, Store, and Lobby. The gift enables free access to the CAC's acclaimed special exhibitions program on view in the upstairs galleries.

The initiative is supported by a gift of $75,000 from The Johnson Foundation, based in Cincinnati, and $150,000 from CAC's The 50. The combined funds will subsidize free admission for at least three years. Some special events and performances will continue to be ticketed.

Raphaela Platow, director of the Contemporary Arts Center and a charter member of The 50, said, "Since our lobby renovation last year created one of the most popular downtown public spaces, we have strategized about how to offer free admission and bring even more visitors into the galleries. Thanks to generous support from The Johnson Foundation, The 50, and long-time supporters like Macy's, CAC is sending a clear message that the CAC and contemporary art are available and accessible to everyone. We are purposefully launching this initiative on the weekend of Valentine's Day to demonstrate our love for the community."

Johnson Foundation President and CEO Amy Goodwin proposed the idea of The 50 to CAC in spring 2015, to galvanize a new generation of young philanthropists and culture-seekers between the ages of 25-45 who wanted to use their networks and financial resources to ensure contemporary art was accessible to all Cincinnatians. She and her husband, Jody Bunn, were the first benefactors to join The 50 with a personal donation of $3,000 each.

Ms. Goodwin said, "Philanthropic opportunities for this age group are often limited to attending occasional social events or fundraisers, but many of us are eager to give back in more meaningful ways. I'm grateful to CAC's leadership for their excitement and willingness to truly engage this group. By collectively gifting free admission to the community, The 50 looks forward to further contributing to Cincinnati's vibrant contemporary arts scene."

CAC membership will remain in effect with new benefits being added. Members will continue to enjoy special discounts and free admission to select ticketed programs, performances, and artists talks.