2026 Artist Projects - Greater Columbus Arts Council

Overview

GCAC supports artistic creation in all disciplines through annual grantmaking. Projects should take place in Franklin County, Ohio and demonstrate artistic, community, and/or cultural value to the general public. Due to changing economic factors, grant amounts for 2026 will be lower than last year. If revenues exceed projections, grantees will be notified about any additional support allocated later in the year.

What is Artist-Led?

An artist-led project is initiated, conceptualized, planned, and executed by the artist(s) independently or collaboratively, outside traditional or institutional frameworks. The artist must initiate the original idea, control all creative decisions, and brand the project under their name. The goal is to ensure artists have full creative freedom and define their own project goals and outcomes. If an artist submits a project in response to a gallery or organization's open call or invitation to exhibit, this would not be considered artist-led.

Eligibility

Applicants must be working artists age 18+ with a portfolio, body of work, or performance history who are compensated for their artistic creation and regularly share their work with the public. Artists must demonstrate residency in Franklin County for at least one year prior to application (applicants in bordering counties may apply if project activities take place in Franklin County) and agree to remain a central Ohio resident for one year after the award date. Degree-seeking undergraduate students are ineligible.

Ineligible Applicants

The following are ineligible: influencers or YouTube/TikTok/Instagram content creators; culinary artists/chefs; models and stylists; body artists (makeup, nails, hair, tattoos); producers/music producers/creative directors/art directors; sound/recording engineers/podcast creators; strictly commercial photographers/videographers (weddings, family portraits, business headshots); strictly club or mobile DJs hired for private or public events; religious/worship leaders creating work solely for one congregation; artists creating work solely using artificial intelligence.

Eligible Disciplines

Dance, fashion, film, literary, music, theater, visual and multidisciplinary arts. Filmmakers may submit projects within the documentary genre.

Project Requirements

Projects must be created and led by an artist or group of artists involving the creation of art. Projects must take place within Franklin County, Ohio; provide compensation to professional artists involved (applicant may pay themselves); and have a defined end result that allows the public to experience the art created.

Eligible Project Types

Performances, exhibitions, installations, festivals, locally produced films/tv series, published works, recordings, art experiences, and community events where the arts are the primary focus.

Restrictions

Work funded by Artist Projects cannot overlap with organizations receiving Operating Support, General Support, or Project Support—including most arts nonprofits in the region. Artists may partner with an arts nonprofit as long as the event is NOT part of their programming.

Contact

• [email protected]