Arts Access—Funding for Small, New and Emerging Organizations

Arts Access—Funding for Small, New and Emerging Organizations is sponsored by Ohio Arts Council. Supports arts and cultural activities that broaden opportunities for Ohio citizens to participate in the arts, including project support for new and emerging organizations and general operating support for organizations with annual budgets under $30,000.

CreativeOhio Connect • CreativeOhio CreativeOhio Connect CO admin 2026-07-28T16:58:06-04:00 CREATIVEOHIO Connect A timely list of opportunities for CreativeOhio members If you are a CreativeOhio Member and would like us to share an opportunity that is relevant to CreativeOhio members, please email admin@creativeoh. org.

opportunities for organizations opportunities for artists Opportunities for Organizations Timely funding and educational and networking events available at national and statewide levels that may be relevant to CreativeOhio member organizations. Backstage Pass: half-day professional development + Networking event Wednesday, August 26 | 2:30 to 6 p. m.

| Davidson Theatre at the Riffee Center Theatres, Columbus This is a half-day professional development and networking experience designed for performing arts professionals. Join the Ohio Arts Professionals Network as we host our most informative Backstage Pass: Networking Event to date!

This half-day professional development, happy hour, and networking experience is designed for presenters, performing artists, and industry professionals. This event combines practical learning and in-person collaboration—all in one afternoon.

Ohio ARts Professional Network 2026 Conference Early Bird Registration Deadline: July 31, 2026 Regular Registration Deadline: October 16, 2026 Conference: October 18 through 20, 2026 | Fitton Center for the Creative Arts, Hamilton, Ohio The OAPN Conference brings together a community of performing arts presenters, venue managers, marketing teams, touring artists, and agencies from across Ohio, the region, and beyond.

It’s a space to connect, learn from one another, and build relationships that lead to long-lasting business relationships and friendships. Throughout the conference, 24 artists will perform live juried showcases, and attendees engage in one-on-one networking and conduct business in the exhibit hall. Presenters attend with intention—seeking to discover artists and meet with agents as they plan future seasons and programs.

The 2026 conference will also include professional development sessions, curated networking opportunities, mentorship, a new member orientation, an awards ceremony, networking lunches, and opening & closing night receptions. Our Sponsors will be invited to a special VIP sponsor reception. Deadline: 90 days prior to project start date The Ohio Arts Council strives to support the arts in all communities throughout the state.

ArtsRISE is designed to support organizations working to expand access to activities to a broad range of participants, address accessibility and other aspects of welcoming program design, present arts programming of culturally specific* or ethnic organizations, and support meaningful engagement with other constituent groups.

Awards may support: 1) organizations whose staff and board represent these specific communities; and/or 2) organizations’ efforts to improve their programs’ access.

*The National Standard for Arts Information Exchange Project (NISP) defines culturally specific populations as American Indian/ Alaskan Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander; Ohio has traditionally included the addition of Appalachian to this definition. Opportunities for Artists Timely calls for entry (exhibition and publication) provided by CreativeOhio members.

Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition, creative Arts Exhibition, and YOuth Arts Exhibitions Building a creative career that connects your work with new audiences takes intention. There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy, but learning from others can make the process easier, and less isolating.

This free webinar series brings together artists and creatives from across the Midwest to share practical, real-world guidance on the skills that support creative work beyond the studio. Across these sessions, you’ll gain actionable tools to showcase your work, pursue funding, and grow your visibility across platforms.

Dairy Barn ARts Center Quilt National Call for entries due: August 30, 2026 Quilt National ’27 explores the expanded field of quilting, showcasing textile-based contemporary art and fiber as a medium for material inquiry. The exhibition features works that interrogate surface, structure, labor, gender, and politics. These quilts merge craft, design, and fine art, repositioning quiltmaking within contemporary art discourse.

Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Awards Applications due: September 1, 2026 The Individual Excellence Awards program recognizes outstanding accomplishments by artists in a variety of disciplines. Awards give artists the resources to experiment and explore their art forms, develop skills and advance their careers, and receive affirmation and acknowledgment for outstanding work.

Competitive applications focus on the merit of past artistic work. POllock-Krasner Foundation: Grant Pollock-Krasner grants have enabled artists to create new work, purchase needed materials and pay for studio rent, as well as their personal expenses.

Past recipients of Pollock-Krasner grants acknowledge their critical impact in allowing concentrated time for studio work, and in preparing for exhibitions and other professional opportunities such as accepting a residency. Timely grant opportunities for artists and organizations offered regionally throughout Ohio. Additional opportunities in the Akron and Summit County area are available at artsnow.

org . Artsnow Placemaking Grants Application opens: August 1, 2026 Application closes: August 16, 2026 Placemaking Project Grants are made possible through a generous investment and partnership with the Summit County Land Bank. This funding provides direct support to projects that advance creative placemaking efforts aligned with The Cultural Plan.

These grants support projects that use arts and culture as a tool to strengthen neighborhoods, activate public spaces, and respond to local priorities in collaboration with residents and community partners.

Artsnow Creative Investment Program Applications open: September 1, 2026 Applications close: September 13, 2026 The Creative Investment Program (CIP), presented by ArtsNow with support from the Ian Patrick Schwarber Foundation, provides grants of up to $2,500 to Summit County artists and creatives to invest in their professional growth.

Artsnow Quarterly Creative Summit: Presented with Collide: Cuyahoga Falls September 4, 2026 | Noon to 1:30 p. m. | The Business Commons of Cuyahoga Falls These gatherings bring together artists, arts and culture organizations, community partners, and supporters to share updates, build relationships, and explore how arts, culture, and creativity strengthen the quality of life across our region.

Each session offers a balance of learning, conversation, and dedicated time to connect with peers and collaborators. Additional opportunities in Appalachian Ohio are available at appalachianohio. org.

Guernsey County Foundation Grants Applications accepted through September 8, 2026 With the support of our donors and in partnership with FAO, the Guernsey County Foundation will award grants that advance opportunities across five funding areas: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services.

Emphasis is on supporting individuals of all ages who are spearheading projects and programs that create opportunities, meet pressing needs and unleash the potential within Guernsey County. Funding requests should be between $500 and $10,000, but larger requests may be considered based on potential impact. Applications must be submitted online through the Foundation Cloud Community Portal.

If you are a first-time applicant, you will need to register and create an account in the Portal. If you are a returning applicant, you may use your existing account. For questions, please view the Frequently Asked Questions page below or contact FAO by emailing grants@ffao.

org or calling 740. 753. 1111.

Harrison County Foundation Grants Applications accepted through September 8, 2026 The Harrison County Community Foundation will award grants that advance opportunities across five funding areas: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services.

Emphasis is on supporting individuals of all ages who are spearheading projects and programs that create opportunities, meet pressing needs and unleash the potential within Harrison County. Funding requests should be between $500 and $5,000, but larger requests may be considered based on potential impact. Applications must be submitted online through the Foundation Cloud Community Portal.

If you are a first-time applicant, you will need to register and create an account in the Portal. If you are a returning applicant, you may use your existing account. For questions, please view the Frequently Asked Questions page below or contact FAO by emailing grants@ffao.

org or calling 740. 753. 1111.

Lawrence County Foundation Grants Applications accepted through September 8, 2026 With the support of our donors and in partnership with FAO, the Lawrence County Community Foundation will award grants that advance opportunities across five funding areas: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services.

Emphasis is on supporting individuals of all ages who are spearheading projects and programs that create opportunities, meet pressing needs and unleash the potential within Lawrence County. Grant requests should be limited to $5,000, but larger requests over multiple years may be considered based on potential community impact and available funding. Applications must be submitted online through the Foundation Cloud Community Portal.

If you are a first-time applicant, you will need to register and create an account in the Portal. If you are a returning applicant, you may use your existing account. For questions, please view the Frequently Asked Questions page below or contact FAO by emailing grants@ffao.

org or calling 740. 753. 1111.

Monroe County Foundation Grants Applications accepted through September 8, 2026 The Monroe County Community Foundation will award grants that advance opportunities across five funding areas: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services.

Emphasis is on supporting individuals of all ages who are spearheading projects and programs that create opportunities, meet pressing needs and unleash the potential within Monroe County. Funding requests should be between $500 and $5,000, but larger requests may be considered based on potential impact. Applications must be submitted online through the Foundation Cloud Community Portal.

If you are a first-time applicant, you will need to register and create an account in the Portal. If you are a returning applicant, you may use your existing account. For questions, please view the Frequently Asked Questions page below or contact FAO by emailing grants@ffao.

org or calling 740. 753. 1111.

Nelsonville Community Foundation Grants Applications accepted through September 8, 2026 With the support of our donors and in partnership with FAO and the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation, the Nelsonville Community Foundation will award grants that advance opportunities across five funding areas: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services.

Emphasis is on supporting individuals of all ages who are spearheading projects and programs that create opportunities, meet pressing needs and unleash the potential within Nelsonville and the surrounding communities of Buchtel, Carbon Hill and Murray City. Funding requests should be between $500 and $5,000, but larger requests may be considered based on potential impact.

Applications must be submitted online through the Foundation Cloud Community Portal. If you are a first-time applicant, you will need to register and create an account in the Portal. If you are a returning applicant, you may use your existing account.

For questions, please view the Frequently Asked Questions page below or contact FAO by emailing grants@ffao. org or calling 740. 753.

1111. Noble County Community Foundation Grants Applications accepted through September 8, 2026 With the support of our donors and in partnership with FAO, the Noble County Community Foundation will award grants that advance opportunities across five funding areas: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services.

Emphasis is on supporting individuals of all ages who are spearheading projects and programs that create opportunities, meet pressing needs and unleash the potential within Noble County. Funding requests should be between $500 and $5,000, but larger requests may be considered based on potential impact. Applications must be submitted online through the Foundation Cloud Community Portal.

If you are a first-time applicant, you will need to register and create an account in the Portal. If you are a returning applicant, you may use your existing account. For questions, please view the Frequently Asked Questions page below or contact FAO by emailing grants@ffao.

org or calling 740. 753. 1111.

Vinton County Community Foundation Grants Applications accepted through September 8, 2026 With the support of our donors and in partnership with FAO, the Vinton County Community Fund will award grants that advance opportunities across five funding areas: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services.

Emphasis is on supporting individuals of all ages who are spearheading projects and programs that create opportunities, meet pressing needs and unleash the potential within Vinton County. Funding requests should be between $500 and $5,000, but larger requests may be considered based on potential impact. Applications must be submitted online through the Foundation Cloud Community Portal.

If you are a first-time applicant, you will need to register and create an account in the Portal. If you are a returning applicant, you may use your existing account. For questions, please view the Frequently Asked Questions page below or contact FAO by emailing grants@ffao.

org or calling 740. 753. 1111.

Additional opportunities in the Cincinnati Area are available at ArtsWave and 1001colors. org/artists/professional-opportunities Application opens August 10, 2026 ArtsWave believes that diversity in arts and cultural expression creates a more vibrant and dynamic region.

ArtsWave also believes that only an inclusive collection of diverse organizations, artists, art forms and projects can fully deliver the goals of ArtsWave’s Blueprint for Collective Action to advance social impact in our community. In FY2027, ArtsWave’s Circle Grant Program requests proposals for projects that promote and/or celebrate Black and African American Arts experiences in the Cincinnati region.

FY27 ArtsWave Pride Grant: Application opens August 10, 2026 The purpose of the ArtsWave Pride Grant Program is to promote, celebrate, and create inclusive arts experiences that may appeal to or have relevance to the broader LGBTQIA community. ArtWave Pride grants will provide funding for arts or cultural heritage projects that advance Cincinnati’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive community through the arts.

FY27 Young Professional Grant: Application opens August 10, 2026 ArtsWave YP grants provide both seed funding to support the development of new programming, as well as existing programming with demonstrated impact in engaging young professionals. Grants are made possible by the donations of young professionals to the 2026 ArtsWave Community Campaign.

Cincinnati Artist Network The Cincinnati Artist Network (CAN) is a new initiative created to connect, support, and promote independent artists and creative entrepreneurs in the Cincinnati region. Through their partnership with the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, the organization seeks to give artists access to benefits like group health care, leadership development, and promotional support.

Additional opportunities in the Cleveland Area are available at clevelandartsevents. com/opportunities and assemblycle. org/ Seen: CLE Call for ARtists at the Dance Hub Registration form due: August 8, 2026 Seen: CLE is a semi-annual studio showing hosted by The Movement Project that showcases works-in-progress by local, independent dance artists.

The goal of Seen is to provide a platform for artistic vulnerability – there are no strict rules, no budgets, no time requirements, and no genre restrictions. Seen: CLE fosters connection, dialogue, and support among artists while strengthening the Northeast Ohio dance community. Whether presenting a new idea, revisiting an unfinished work, or simply testing something out, artists are invited to show up, take risks, and be seen.

Elevate The East Call for ARtists: Morris Black Applications Due: August 17, 2026 LAND studio is partnering with Burten, Bell, Carr Development, Inc. (BBC) and the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) to commission a sculptural artwork for the new Woodhill Center North Campus (Morris Black), part of the Elevate the East initiative.

Local artists and artist teams are invited to submit their qualifications to design a community-inspired artwork for one of the most visible locations on the campus. This is a design commission, not a call for existing work. We’re looking for an artist or team to lead a community-engaged design process resulting in an original sculptural element.

Special consideration will be given to artists with ties to the Buckeye-Shaker, Larchmere, Woodland Hills, and Mt. Pleasant neighborhoods, and previous public art experience is required. Webinar: Digital Presence, AI & Personal Branding for Artists August 26, 2026 | 1 to 3 p.

m. | Zoom Join Assembly for the Arts and JumpStart, Inc. for an engaging webinar focused on helping artists and creative entrepreneurs strengthen their digital presence, build a compelling personal brand, and leverage emerging technologies to support their creative practice and business goals. Public Officials Breakfast 2026 Friday, September 26, 2026 | 8 to 10 a.

m. | The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame This annual tradition brings together public officials, partners, and members of the arts and culture community for a morning of meaningful conversation, connection, and recognition of the impact of arts and culture across our region. Assembly for the arts Fiscal Sponsorship Not all community projects can afford to become their own nonprofit.

The process requires time and resources that could otherwise devoted to the project itself. What’s more, this work is often ignited by members of the community who see a problem and are willing to create a solution out of their own pockets. We assemble for the greater good of the people.

Through fiscal sponsorship, we can open access to grant funds for those incredible mission-driven projects. Foundations and some donors often solely fund tax exempt organizations for many important reasons—501(c)3 requires fiscal oversight of a board, public record-keeping, proof of public good, and comes with restrictions to certain activities such as lobbying. Additional opportunities in the Columbus Area are available at gcac.

org Writers Rising: Fiction Mentorship Program Submission deadline: August 20, 2026 In this fiction mentorship program, six professional Ohio authors will be paired with one emerging writer each across nine months to help them craft a piece of fiction in any genre.

This experience will culminate in a Literary Celebration at Thurber House in July 2027 in Columbus, Ohio with a free public reading from mentors and mentees, along with a print publication of mentee stories.

GCAC 2026 Artist Projects Applications open (round 2): July 20, 2026 Applications close (round 2): August 24, 2026 This grant s upports artistic creation in all disciplines and bring original, new artist-led projects to life within the city of Columbus. This Grant is open to i ndividual artists and groups of artists (one person may apply on behalf of a group).

Submission deadline: August 31, 2026 We invite you to participate in the art exhibition taking place inside the mausoleum at Greenlawn Cemetery during Day of the Dead Columbus Festival 2026.

2027 Aminah Robinson Fellowship (ONLY local/Franklin County OH applicants) Applications open: August 3, 2026 Applications close: September 2, 2026 The Aminah Robinson Fellowship (Aminah Fellowship) celebrates the legacy of the late Columbus-based artist by recognizing the exemplary work of a local African American visual artist.

Fellowship recipients will have 90 days to work on projects of their choosing in a setting that was the heart of Aminah’s creative process for more than 40 years.

Franklin Park Conservatory & Franklin County Local Food Council Call for SUbmissions Submission deadline: September 13, 2026 Dear community members, the Franklin County Local Food Council invites you to submit your art for an exhibit that will accompany Franklin Park Conservatory’s Harvest Awards this year. Our theme is Unseen Roots: How Food Connects Us All.

We encourage you to reflect on your role in our local food community and ecosystem, and to submit a piece that reflects that role. Our goal is to create a curated space that opens dialogue between individuals and organizations involved in our food community and to share the joys, challenges, and experiences of working in our food system. This opportunity is not for commission.

This is for display of works only. Artists are able to sell the works on display. Artists that are interested should apply through our submission form.

Applications open: June 1, 2026 Application close: October 1, 2026 Individuals who work in the following disciplines: dance, fashion, film, literary, music, theater, visual and multidisciplinary arts who meet GCAC’s definition of a working artist.

2026 Cultural Festival Funding Applications close: November 13, 2026 To provide funding for pre-existing cultural festivals that primarily reach or represent immigrant, refugee, and New American communities through presentation of the arts and cultural heritage traditions. Additional opportunities in the Dayton area are available at cultureworks.

org Montgomery County Funded Grant: Funding for Artists Applications open: August 3, 2026 Grant orientation: August 3, 2026 | 3 p. m. | Zoom Grant orientation: August 12, 2025 | 3 p.

m. | Zoom Artist statement & Exhibit Space Workshop | August 17, 2026 | 3 p. m.

Artist statement & Exhibit Space Workshop | August 19, 2026 | 3 p. m. Project budget workshop: August 24, 2026 | 3 p.

m. Project budget workshop: August 26, 2026 | 3 p. m.

In person Q&A: August 27 | 6 p. m. | Dayton Metro Library Peer review workshop: August 31, 2026 | 3 p.

m. Application deadline: September 4. 2026 | 4 p.

m. The Artist Opportunity Grant Program empowers Montgomery County, Ohio, artists to advance their careers through professional development opportunities and the creation of new works. Since 2016, the program has awarded more than $300,000 to more than 100 artists to complete career-advancing projects.

Additional opportunities in the Toledo Area are available at theartscommission. org Applications due: August 2, 2026 This multi-day event provides access to indoor exhibition space in vacant or underutilized Downtown buildings, to more than 100 visual artists and designers, and also offers main stage and small stage performance areas for literary, film, and other artists.

The Artomatic 419 model brings together artists to co-create and execute this unique festival experience that numerous Toledo artists credit with getting their artistic careers off the ground. The Arts Commission 2026 Accelerator Grant Applications open: August 3, 2026 Applications close: August 25, 2026 The Arts Commission values the many artists across disciplines who are part of Toledo’s vibrant creative community.

The Accelerator Grant is a competitive program offering financial support for local Emerging and Hobbyist artists to advance their creative projects and pursue artistic growth. Eligible categories of support for this program are limited to Materials + Supplies, Equipment, Professional Development, and Project Support. Grant request amounts are not to exceed $1,000.

City of Toledo FIG Program The Facade Improvement Grant (FIG) program helps property owners transform the facade of commercial, industrial, and mixed-use buildings located in low-to-moderate income census tracts by providing a 50% matching grant to reimburse expenses incurred during a comprehensive facade improvement. The minimum grant amount is $10,000 and the maximum grant amount is $40,000.

River Hourse Arts | Artist Submissions River House Arts accepts submissions from contemporary artists working in all types of media, including video, for consideration on an ongoing basis. 77 South High Street, Floor 2 Get advocacy updates straight to your inbox. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.