Funds for Artists

Funds for Artists is sponsored by Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC). This grant program provides funding for working artists in Franklin County, Ohio, across disciplines including dance, fashion, film, literary, music, theater, visual, and multidisciplinary arts.

* English▼ Amharic Arabic Chinese (Simplified) English French Hindi Japanese Portuguese Russian Somali Spanish [](https://www. gcac. org/) [](https://www.

gcac. org/)[](https://www. gcac.

org/) For Organizations Close For Organizations For Artists Close For Artists For Community Close For Community About GCAC Close About GCAC Open search Close search Open mobile menu Close mobile menu * Overview Learn more about the services GCAC provides to organizations in Columbus. * Workshops & Events Upcoming and recorded workshops that cover a wide range of topics.

* GCAC Application Portal Access the SmartSimple grants portal for applications and your previous grant information. * Studios & Spaces Find available spaces for rent that have been submitted by community organizations and businesses. * Artist Opportunities Calls for artists, job postings, outside grant opportunities and nonprofit board opportunities are all listed here.

* Public Art Learn more about the Greater Columbus Public Art Strategy and GCAC’s public art efforts. * FAQs Have a question? Chances are the answer is here.

* Submit an Opportunity for Artists Know of job opening, or someone looking for an artist? Submit it here and we’ll post it on our site. * Overview Learn more about the services GCAC provides to artists in Columbus.

* Workshops & Events Upcoming and recorded workshops covering a wide range of topics. * GCAC Application Portal Access the SmartSimple grants portal for applications and your previous grant information. * Studios & Spaces Find available spaces for rent that have been submitted by community organizations and businesses.

* Opportunities for Artists Calls for artists, job postings, and outside grant opportunities are all listed here. * Music Everywhere GCAC’s Community & Street Performer program with paid performance partnership opportunities across the community. * Dresden Exchange Program Information about the history and previous Dresden exchange participants.

* Public Art Learn more about the Greater Columbus Public Art Strategy and GCAC’s public art efforts. * FAQs Get all your questions answered. * Art Makes Columbus The city’s go-to site to find arts and cultural events, public art, artists and more.

* Columbus Arts Festival Columbus’ welcome to summer event each June. Three days of all things art. * The Loann Crane Gallery and Meeting Space The Gallery and meeting spaces at GCAC’s office featuring a collection of more than 80 works by 60 artists.

* Film Columbus A division of GCAC, Film Columbus is dedicated growing the film industry in Columbus and central Ohio by creating jobs and providing significant economic impact for the central Ohio region. * Arts Job Opportunities Calls for artists, arts job postings and outside grant opportunities * Nonprofit Board Opportunities Post board opportunities or find passionate community members to serve.

* GCAC FAQs Frequently asked questions about GCAC * What We Do Learn more about what GCAC does from grantmaking to marketing, advocacy to the Arts Festival, film to public art. * Who We Are Meet our Board of Trustees, staff and Navigators. * Arts Impact & Advocacy Research and advocacy are a critical part of keeping the arts vibrant in our community * GCAC Events & Deadlines Check out all our upcoming events and deadlines.

* Blogs Musings from Mitch Menchaca, GCAC president & CEO and Weekend Warriors, Columbus Makes Art’s weekly event blog. * Jobs Opportunities Interested in joining our team? Learn more here!

* Community Grantmaking Learn more about becoming a community reviewer! * Public Art Learn more about the Greater Columbus Public Art Strategy and GCAC’s public art efforts. * Community Arts Partnership Awards GCAC’s Community Arts Partnership Awards celebrate those who make outstanding contributions to the arts each year.

* GCAC & Film Columbus Logos Download our brand guidelines and logo files. * Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) We’re committed to strengthening Diversity, Equity & Inclusion efforts within all our programs. * History of GCAC Discover how the Greater Columbus Arts Council has evolved through the years.

* Past Grants Search Arts Council grants from 2018 to the present. Amharic Arabic Chinese (Simplified) English French Hindi Japanese Portuguese Russian Somali Spanish * Overview Learn more about the services GCAC provides to organizations in Columbus. * Workshops & Events Upcoming and recorded workshops that cover a wide range of topics.

* GCAC Application Portal Access the SmartSimple grants portal for applications and your previous grant information. * Studios & Spaces Find available spaces for rent that have been submitted by community organizations and businesses. * Artist Opportunities Calls for artists, job postings, outside grant opportunities and nonprofit board opportunities are all listed here.

* Public Art Learn more about the Greater Columbus Public Art Strategy and GCAC’s public art efforts. * FAQs Have a question? Chances are the answer is here.

* Submit an Opportunity for Artists Know of job opening, or someone looking for an artist? Submit it here and we’ll post it on our site. * Nov 13 2026 Cultural Festival Funding, Closes * Overview Learn more about the services GCAC provides to artists in Columbus.

* Workshops & Events Upcoming and recorded workshops covering a wide range of topics. * GCAC Application Portal Access the SmartSimple grants portal for applications and your previous grant information. * Studios & Spaces Find available spaces for rent that have been submitted by community organizations and businesses.

* Opportunities for Artists Calls for artists, job postings, and outside grant opportunities are all listed here. * Music Everywhere GCAC’s Community & Street Performer program with paid performance partnership opportunities across the community. * Dresden Exchange Program Information about the history and previous Dresden exchange participants.

* Public Art Learn more about the Greater Columbus Public Art Strategy and GCAC’s public art efforts. * FAQs Get all your questions answered.

* Jul 20 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Opens * Aug 24 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Closes * Sep 1 2026 Legal Grant & Lawyer Referral Program, Closes * Oct 1 2026 Funds for Artists, Closes ##### RESOURCES FOR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS GCAC champions the arts and culture sector, ensuring residents and visitors have access to quality arts programming, activities and experiences.

* Art Makes Columbus The city’s go-to site to find arts and cultural events, public art, artists and more. * Columbus Arts Festival Columbus’ welcome to summer event each June. Three days of all things art.

* The Loann Crane Gallery and Meeting Space The Gallery and meeting spaces at GCAC’s office featuring a collection of more than 80 works by 60 artists. * Film Columbus A division of GCAC, Film Columbus is dedicated growing the film industry in Columbus and central Ohio by creating jobs and providing significant economic impact for the central Ohio region.

* Arts Job Opportunities Calls for artists, arts job postings and outside grant opportunities * Nonprofit Board Opportunities Post board opportunities or find passionate community members to serve.

* GCAC FAQs Frequently asked questions about GCAC * Jul 20 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Opens * Aug 24 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Closes * Sep 1 2026 Legal Grant & Lawyer Referral Program, Closes * Oct 1 2026 Funds for Artists, Closes * What We Do Learn more about what GCAC does from grantmaking to marketing, advocacy to the Arts Festival, film to public art. * Who We Are Meet our Board of Trustees, staff and Navigators.

* Arts Impact & Advocacy Research and advocacy are a critical part of keeping the arts vibrant in our community * GCAC Events & Deadlines Check out all our upcoming events and deadlines. * Blogs Musings from Mitch Menchaca, GCAC president & CEO and Weekend Warriors, Columbus Makes Art’s weekly event blog. * Jobs Opportunities Interested in joining our team?

Learn more here! * Community Grantmaking Learn more about becoming a community reviewer! * Public Art Learn more about the Greater Columbus Public Art Strategy and GCAC’s public art efforts.

* Community Arts Partnership Awards GCAC’s Community Arts Partnership Awards celebrate those who make outstanding contributions to the arts each year. * GCAC & Film Columbus Logos Download our brand guidelines and logo files. * Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) We’re committed to strengthening Diversity, Equity & Inclusion efforts within all our programs.

* History of GCAC Discover how the Greater Columbus Arts Council has evolved through the years. * Past Grants Search Arts Council grants from 2018 to the present.

* Jul 20 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Opens * Aug 24 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Closes * Sep 1 2026 Legal Grant & Lawyer Referral Program, Closes * Oct 1 2026 Funds for Artists, Closes ## Support & Resources for Artists We provide comprehensive support to artists throughout their careers. Find details about funding, free workshops, networking and art calls.

Important Dates & Deadlines * Jul 20: 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Opens * Aug 24: 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Closes * Sep 1: 2026 Legal Grant & Lawyer Referral Program, Closes * Oct 1: 2026 Funds for Artists, Closes * Jul 20: 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Opens * Aug 24: 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Closes * Sep 1: 2026 Legal Grant & Lawyer Referral Program, Closes * Oct 1: 2026 Funds for Artists, Closes * Jul 20: 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Opens * Aug 24: 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Closes * Sep 1: 2026 Legal Grant & Lawyer Referral Program, Closes * Oct 1: 2026 Funds for Artists, Closes * Jul 20: 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Opens * Aug 24: 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Closes * Sep 1: 2026 Legal Grant & Lawyer Referral Program, Closes * Oct 1: 2026 Funds for Artists, Closes * Jul 20: 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Opens * Aug 24: 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Closes * Sep 1: 2026 Legal Grant & Lawyer Referral Program, Closes * Oct 1: 2026 Funds for Artists, Closes * Jul 20: 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Opens * Aug 24: 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Closes * Sep 1: 2026 Legal Grant & Lawyer Referral Program, Closes * Oct 1: 2026 Funds for Artists, Closes * Jul 20: 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Opens * Aug 24: 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Closes * Sep 1: 2026 Legal Grant & Lawyer Referral Program, Closes * Oct 1: 2026 Funds for Artists, Closes * Jul 20: 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Opens * Aug 24: 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Closes * Sep 1: 2026 Legal Grant & Lawyer Referral Program, Closes * Oct 1: 2026 Funds for Artists, Closes * Jul 20: 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Opens * Aug 24: 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Closes * Sep 1: 2026 Legal Grant & Lawyer Referral Program, Closes * Oct 1: 2026 Funds for Artists, Closes * Jul 20: 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Opens * Aug 24: 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Closes * Sep 1: 2026 Legal Grant & Lawyer Referral Program, Closes * Oct 1: 2026 Funds for Artists, Closes * Jul 20: 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Opens * Aug 24: 2026 Artist Projects, (Round 2) Closes * Sep 1: 2026 Legal Grant & Lawyer Referral Program, Closes * Oct 1: 2026 Funds for Artists, Closes [](https://www.

gcac. org/for-artists/artists-grants/) Find available spaces for rent that have been submitted by community organizations and businesses. [](https://www.

gcac. org/studios-spaces/) ### Opportunities For Artists Opportunities, jobs, and outside grants are all listed here. [](https://www.

gcac. org/for-artists/artist-opportunities/) Get all your questions answered. [](https://www.

gcac. org/for-artists/artist-faqs/) #### Learn About GCAC’s Legal Grant – In Person Workshop * Wednesday, July 15, 2026 • 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm * Columbus Metropolitan Library, Main branch, 96 S Grant Ave Learn more about GCAC's Legal Grant. What legal services are eligible?

What do you need to protect your artwork, yourself and your art business? How can I access the correct legal services? Columbus attorney Miranda Rife will host a virtual workshop about the $300 legal grant and GCAC's lawyer referral program specifically tied to the Legal grant.

Bring your questions. This workshop will NOT be recorded. Register HereAdd to Google Cal #### 2026 Funds for Artists In-Person Grant Workshop * Monday, July 20, 2026 • 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm * Columbus Metropolitan Library Main Branch 96 S.

Grant Ave, Columbus, OH 43215 Parking: the Main Library’s attached garage, accessible from Library Park North, offers free parking for the first hour. Learn everything you need to know to apply for the 2026 Funds for Artists grant as a working artist in Franklin County. This workshop will cover program eligibility, timeline, and the application process.

You’ll be ready to apply immediately following the workshop. Please reserve your space for this in-person workshop! REGISTER HEREAdd to Google Cal #### 2026 Funds for Artists This pre-recorded workshop details the 2026 Funds for Artists program.

Funds for Artists is open to 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. The purpose of this program is to assist artists with making new art, growing artistic skills and marketing to a broader audience. Please visit the guidelines for more detailed information!

#### Learn About GCAC’s Legal Grant – Virtual Workshop Learn more about GCAC’s Legal Grant. What legal services are eligible? What do you need to protect your artwork, yourself and your art business?

How can I access the correct legal services? Columbus attorney Miranda Rife will host a virtual workshop about the $300 legal grant and GCAC’s lawyer referral program specifically tied to the Legal grant. #### 2026 Artist Projects Virtual Info Session (Round 1) This virtual workshop provides information for grant program, Artist Projects.

The purpose of this grant is to support artistic creation within all disciplines and bring original, new artist-led projects to life. Open to individual artists, or groups of artists, with residency in Franklin County. Projects must take place within the City of Columbus, demonstrate payment to professional artists involved and have a defined end result that allows the public to experience the art created.

Examples of a defined end result include performances, exhibitions, installations, festivals, locally produced films/tv series, published works, recordings, art experiences, and community events where arts are at the core. #### 2026 Cultural Festival Funding This workshop provides information on the 2026 Cultural Festival Funding program. Eligible cultural festivals must be pre-existing and take place in Franklin County.

Festivals should primarily reach or represent immigrant, refugee, and New American communities through presentation of the arts and cultural heritage traditions. Please visit this link to view complete guidelines: https://www. gcac.

org/grant/2026-cultural-festival-funding/ #### Lawyer Referral Program Promo Video GCAC recognizes that artists across disciplines confront a range of legal matters critical to their career sustainability and the protection of their creative works. Beginning in 2025, GCAC is expanding the list of eligible expenses for Funds for Artists (FFA)to include basic legal fees related to an artist’s art practice and art business.

In addition, GCAC is piloting a Lawyer Referral Service to connect artists seeking help in specified areas with attorneys. Lawyers in the pilot program will guarantee a flat, reduced fee of $300 per service. #### Essential Application Tools for Artist Grants Coco McCracken Author, writer and photographer Coco McCracken has written their fair share of grant applications and is eager to help others.

This free, virtual workshop will equip artists with the essential tools to apply for grants, craft a persuasive artist statement, and confidently approach budgeting and common grant questions. Some of the topics discussed are types of grants, the purpose of an artist statement, how to be organized and the top tips for success. #### Telling Your Story and Hyping Yourself In an industry where there is so much noise, how do you stand out?

Jordana Guimarães of Fashion Innovation takes you through marketing tactics, PR strategies, solidifying your message & footprint in the industry and how to get the industry behind your persona/brand. This will include 3 parts: The art of cold emailing, community building 101 and finding & spreading one’s message.

#### Retirement Secrets for Creatives #### Accessibility in Marketing: Tools & resources to make your online marketing more accessible for all people In this workshop, Art Possible Ohio will provide a deep dive into making your organization’s marketing and website more accessible for individuals with disabilities.

Participants will leave the workshop with knowledge of best practices, accessible resources for proactivity, and a list of short and long-term goals to improve your website and overall digital marketing plan. #### Tax Basics For Artists Virtual Workshop Whoever said the only two certainties in life are death and taxes, probably never met our workshop! We’re here to make at least one of those inevitable things a breeze.

Let’s take a look at the basics of federal income tax for all you creative geniuses out there, and explore some typical deductions that’ll make your inner entrepreneur do a happy dance. Plus, we’ve got the scoop on the latest 2024 updates! But wait, there’s more!

We’ll give you the lowdown on how tax rules vary depending on your income source and how you can boost your financial wellness by taking advantage of deductions like student loan interest and retirement savings. And, of course, we’ll wrap it all up with some insider tips to keep your records top-notch. So, let’s make taxes as easy as pie!

#### Mural Panel Workshop National mural artists Emma Daisy,Woke3 and Brooks had a panel discussion on preparing for mural making. View the discussion to hear more about their planning tips, ways to protect yourself and how to negotiate your worth. This workshop was designed for artists but would also be informational for those interested in hiring murals.

#### Workshop Contracts Meeting Recording Providing a high-level discussion on contracts – a critical tool for all artists. Facilitator Joseph Popp, JD and principal at Rea & Associates, will discuss basic contract concepts and traps for the unwary. He will share sample contracts from a gallery and a retail shop and will also walk through contract templates that you can use yourself.

Greater Columbus Arts Council Supporting Art. Advancing Culture. ## Opportunities for artists GCAC offers grants, fellowships, residencies, and exchanges for Franklin County artists.

Funding Guidelines are released December 1. Arts-related opportunities—jobs, calls and more. #### Opportunities For Artists GCAC aims to connect individual artists and arts organizations to opportunities and to each other.

View to view local, state, national, and international calls. Opportunities for Artists Investment from the Greater Columbus Arts Council has allowed the Lincoln Theatre Association to focus a lens on how art balances the world and to be intentional in our efforts to wok towards equity for artists of color. The grant has given me the space and time to write free from distraction or household responsibilities.

An unexpected benefit of this grant is that I’m now able to host a monthly write-in for Asian American writers in The Nest’s conference room... Without this grant, I wouldn't be able to support other Asian American writers in their creative endeavors.

The most unexpected benefit that I received from the grant was the fact that curators and peers took notice of my being awarded the grant and therefore found me worthy of other opportunities in Columbus' art scene... These grant opportunities allow me to reveal to myself that I do, indeed, have the artistic strength to step into the ring and compete with other Columbus artists for space and viewings.

For questions about grant programs or applying for grants, please contact grants@gcac. org OR Alison Barret – VP Grants & Community Engagement 614-221-8406 McKenzi Swinehart – Grants & Community Engagement Director 614-221-9746 Khaila Carr – Grants & Community Engagement Coordinator 614-221-8569 Our in-person office hours are M – W, 9 – 5 PM. What does GCAC do?

Does GCAC only give grants? GCAC provides a wide range of services to support artists and arts & cultural organizations in Columbus. Our most important role is as tireless advocates for the support of the arts in our communities.

Most artists know us for our grants, but GCAC also offers so much more, such as free business-of-art workshops, online resources, connections and coaching. GCAC is also a champion for public art in the city and is home to the Loanne Crane Gallery. Can I start my application and come back to it later?

Yes. Make sure you click the “Save” button before leaving the application. You can return to the application by logging back in and finding it in the “Applications In Process” section.

The application isn’t submitted until you select the “Submit” button. How does GCAC define a working artist? This is a question we have asked ourselves and our community many times.

We are constantly evaluating this answer as art is everchanging.

As of now, GCAC defines a working artist as such: * Has a portfolio, body of work, collection, published works, or performance history; * Is paid for performances, sells their artwork, or is otherwise compensated for their artistic creation; * Routinely dedicates time to the creation of art and regularly shares their artwork with the public through performances, film festivals, fashion shows, publishing, exhibitions, etc.; * May have formal or informal training and seeks to improve their artistic skillset; actively engages with the artistic community; * Is focused on expressing their own creative and aesthetic ideas, rather than on documentation or journalism.

* _Note: Filmmakers are welcome to submit projects within the documentary genre. _ * Are**NOT** enrolled as degree-seeking undergraduate students. How do I demonstrate that I am a working artist?

When you apply for a grant, we will ask you to upload an artist resume and/or artist bio. These documents are critical to help GCAC determine if you are a professional, working artist with an independent body of work. Please be sure to list past exhibitions, performances, film screenings, publications, and/or readings.

Additionally, we ask for up to 5 artistic work samples to further verify your working artist status. These can include images, video, audio and/or a link to a website with work samples. **Strictly** commercial artistic work (ex: portrait/event photography, graphic design for businesses, film/music production for businesses/other artists) does NOT qualify.

Is there an application fee? No, GCAC grants do not have a submission fee, with the exception of the Aminah Robinson Residency. Can I come to the GCAC office?

Sure, come visit! Our offices are located at 182 E Long Street and we are happy to answer any questions in person. There are marked GCAC guest spots in the lot adjacent to our office and we are easily accessible by multiple COTA bus lines.

To ensure someone will be available to assist you, it is recommended that you set up an appointment via email grants@gcac. org or by calling 614-221-8806. I submitted my application, now what?

Please be patient as we review your grant application! Applicants will be notified by email of their application award status (approved, approved with contingencies, or declined). Be sure to keep your contact information and profile up-to-date in the online application portal.

Our guidelines always note a timeline with a set notification date. [](https://www. gcac.

org/) To Champion and elevate the arts and cultural expression of Greater Columbus. Power of art realized. People engaged.

City energized. Greater Columbus Arts Council * 182 E. Long St.

Columbus OH 43215 * GCAC Application Portal * Opportunities for Artists * Dresden Exchange Program * GCAC Application Portal * Submit an Opportunity for Artists * GCAC Events & Deadlines * Community Arts Partnership Awards * GCAC & Film Columbus Logos * Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) * GCAC Application Portal * Opportunities for Artists * Dresden Exchange Program * GCAC Application Portal * Submit an Opportunity for Artists * GCAC Events & Deadlines * Community Arts Partnership Awards * GCAC & Film Columbus Logos * Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) * Loann Crane Gallery at GCAC * The Ohio State University