The 2025 Mural Assistance for Artists grant, administered by the Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC), provides partial funding to support the creation of exterior murals within Franklin County, Ohio. This program aims to help muralists bring their visions to life by supplementing artist fees and project costs. Murals must have an identified location and be commissioned by an organization or company that agrees to provide partial funding. The grant supports traditional painted murals and digitally produced murals (vinyl wraps), encouraging creativity while ensuring public visibility and community engagement.
The grant offers flat award amounts of $5,000 for traditional murals and $2,500 for digitally produced murals. The commissioning organization must commit to a minimum contribution of $500, with additional funding secured for larger-scale projects. A jury panel composed of national muralists and GCAC board members will evaluate applications based on artistic excellence, feasibility, and community impact. Special priority will be given to artists from historically marginalized communities.
Applications open on January 15, 2025, and must be submitted by February 14, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Up to 15 artists will be selected, and grantees will receive 80% of their funding upon signing the grant agreement, with the remaining 20% disbursed after mural completion and submission of a final report. Eligibility is limited to working artists aged 18 and older who reside in Franklin County or a bordering county for at least one year prior to applying.
The program requires public acknowledgment of funding, including adding the mural to GCAC's Public Art Database and displaying provided signage at the mural site. Final reports must include images of the completed mural and other project documentation. This grant underscores GCAC’s commitment to fostering public art, supporting artists, and enriching the cultural landscape of Columbus, Ohio.
