Artist Projects Grant

The Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) Artist Projects grant supports the creation of original, artist-led works across a broad array of disciplines in the City of Columbus. Through this initiative, GCAC aims to foster innovation, community engagement, and creative expression by investing directly in individual artists or groups. GCAC has long been a critical funder and advocate for the local arts ecosystem, committed to equity, inclusion, and cultural advancement throughout the Columbus region. By offering direct financial support to working artists, this program enhances cultural vibrancy while ensuring that artists maintain control over their creative processes. This grant opportunity is open to individual artists and artist collectives residing in central Ohio, particularly within the City of Columbus or Franklin County, provided the project takes place in Columbus. Artists must demonstrate a professional track record—through portfolios, performances, exhibitions, or sales—and dedicate consistent time to their artmaking. Filmmakers may apply for up to $25,000 if they are the primary creative force behind their project and demonstrate previous experience in directing, editing, or producing films. All other disciplines are eligible for grants up to $10,000. Artists working in dance, fashion, film, literary, music, theater, visual, and multidisciplinary arts are eligible, while content creators, producers, stylists, and certain commercial roles are ineligible. Projects must be artist-initiated and executed entirely under the creative direction of the applicant. Eligible projects can include performances, exhibitions, installations, festivals, published works, recordings, and community-engaged art events. Projects must occur within the City of Columbus, compensate participating artists, and culminate in a public-facing artistic experience. Ineligible activities include nonprofit-led programs, projects initiated by external organizations, fundraising events, and projects that duplicate efforts already supported through GCAC’s other funding streams such as Operating Support, Project Support, or General Support. Applications open in two cycles for 2026. Round 1 opens February 9 and closes March 16, with notifications issued by May 29. Projects funded in this round must start after June 1, 2026, and conclude by July 31, 2027. Round 2 opens July 20 and closes August 24, with award notifications by October 16. Projects funded in this round must begin after November 1, 2026, and finish by December 31, 2027. All projects must submit a final report within 30 days of their end date. Applications are submitted through GCAC’s online portal, and all required materials must be uploaded as PDFs. These include an artistic resume, work samples, and optional supporting documents. Evaluation for this grant occurs through GCAC’s community-based review process. A panel of arts professionals and community members scores proposals based on artistic merit, project clarity, public benefit, and creative innovation. Scores and recommendations from this process are reviewed by the GCAC Board of Trustees, which makes the final funding decisions. The scoring rubric assigns up to 40 points, divided equally across four criteria. Post-award, grantees receive 90% of funds upfront upon signing a grant agreement, and the final 10% is released upon submission and approval of the final report. GCAC emphasizes public visibility and engagement for all funded projects and expects artists to credit the organization across all promotional channels.

Write thorough answers beyond 1–2 sentences; highlight innovation and public benefit; align with DEI statement; pay artists.