Culture Works Artist Opportunity Grants

The Montgomery County Artist Opportunity Grant Program, funded by the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District (MCACD) and administered by Culture Works, is designed to support artists residing in Montgomery County, Ohio, in advancing their careers through professional development opportunities and the creation of new works. The program aims to help artists further and innovate their work, raise the profile of individual artistic contributions in the region, and expand their influence within Montgomery County's creative environment. Grants are intended for specific, unique, and imminent opportunities that can significantly impact an artist’s craft, regardless of their career stage. Eligible applicants must be residents of Montgomery County, Ohio, with a valid street address, U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents, at least 18 years old, and active artists or creative entrepreneurs with at least three years of practice in their discipline. They must have exhibited, performed, or published work within the past three years. Only one application per cycle is allowed, and it must request funding for a single opportunity unless activities are part of a formal series. Artists must provide proof of residency, an artist statement, work samples, a detailed project description and timeline, budget, and documentation of expenses. Public benefit is required, meaning funded work must be shared with Montgomery County residents. Grants range from $500 to $5,000, with $75,000 available for the 2025–2026 cycle. Allowable expenses include artist’s time (up to 20% of request for new work), project-specific materials, equipment purchases under $500 per item, presentation and marketing, professional services, and travel tied to the opportunity. Funding cannot be used for ongoing work, general supplies, living expenses, high-cost equipment, multiple unrelated opportunities, degree completion, or projects of a commercial, hobby, therapeutic, or political nature. The grant period runs from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026. Applications open August 13, 2025, with orientation sessions August 19–20, an artist statement workshop August 27, a project budget workshop September 2–3, and a peer review workshop September 10. The submission deadline is September 12, 2025, at 4:00 pm EST. Virtual public grant panel meetings are scheduled for October 29 and 31, 2025, followed by final MCACD board approval. Grantee onboarding occurs in November 2025, with payments issued in January 2026, 30 days prior to project start dates. All projects must conclude by December 31, 2026, with a final report due within 30 days of completion. Applications are evaluated on artistic merit, potential impact, quality of the proposed opportunity, administrative capability, and public benefit, each worth up to five points for a maximum of 25. Panelists review applications and work samples, score independently, and meet to discuss and finalize recommendations. Successful applicants must acknowledge MCACD and Culture Works in all publicity and may access performance and gallery spaces through a partnership with the Dayton Metro Library, which offers venues at no cost in exchange for free public programming. Contact information includes Mariah Johnson (Performing Arts, MJohnson@DaytonMetroLibrary.org, 937-496-8803) and Caitlin Wissler (Visual Arts, CWissler@DaytonMetroLibrary.org, 937-496-8854).

Write as though reviewers know nothing about your work; clarify the uniqueness and relevance of the opportunity; ensure public benefit is defined.