ArtsRISE Grant

The ArtsRISE grant, administered by the Ohio Arts Council, aims to enhance access to arts programming for historically underrepresented populations across Ohio. Rooted in the Council’s mission to serve all communities statewide, the initiative prioritizes organizations and projects that elevate accessibility and cultural inclusion. Specifically, it supports arts and cultural organizations, government entities, social service agencies, and educational institutions demonstrating a commitment to arts programming in a broader community setting. The grant encourages both direct representation—through staff and board composition—and intentional programming that engages historically underserved groups such as American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and Appalachian populations. Funding under ArtsRISE is designed to be both accessible and impactful. Applicants may request up to $5,000, with matching fund requirements dependent on organizational budget size: no match is required for applicants with annual arts programming budgets under $100,000, while those exceeding that threshold must provide a 1:1 cash match. Organizations can expect to receive their full requested amount if approved. However, entities receiving support for similar activities through other Ohio Arts Council (OAC) programs are ineligible. Sustainability-Large organizations and Statewide Arts Service Organizations are also excluded from applying. Eligible projects must intentionally serve underrepresented populations and foster long-term improvements in accessibility and inclusion, not merely fund ongoing programming that coincidentally engages these groups. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis from April 1 through August 30 or until available funds are depleted. Applications must be submitted at least 90 days prior to the start of any planned activity. Grantees may request a 50% partial payment after incurring qualifying expenses and demonstrating partial project completion. Final payments are contingent on the submission and approval of a final report. All applications must be submitted via the OAC’s online ARTIE system. Evaluation of proposals is conducted by a diverse panel including arts professionals, educators, and community members, using a rubric comprising four categories: Program Quality, Community Engagement, Defining and Measuring Success, and Resource Management. Projects will be assessed for their artistic, cultural, or educational value; strategies for engaging target populations; inclusivity of planning; and the soundness of proposed resource allocation. Each criterion is scored up to five points, for a total possible score of 60. Not all applications are guaranteed funding. The ArtsRISE program encourages innovative projects such as creative writing initiatives with justice-impacted citizens, culturally specific concert series, or mentorship-driven summer arts camps for low-income youth. It also supports new collaborations, such as those with local Boards of Developmental Disabilities. The overarching goal is to produce transformative change in the structure, access, and inclusivity of Ohio’s arts programming landscape. Grant awards are announced approximately 75 days after submission, and no organization may receive more than two ArtsRISE grants in any three-year period. Applicants can direct inquiries to designated regional contacts. Brianna Dance serves the Central and Southeastern Regions, Patrick Roehrenbeck the Northeastern Region, and Jim Szekacs the Western and North Central Regions. Contact information, including email addresses and phone numbers, is publicly listed to support applicant engagement and program transparency.

Engage underrepresented populations meaningfully; ensure project goes beyond existing programming; align application narrative to review criteria including Program Quality and Community Engagement.