Ohio ARts Professional Network 2026 Conference

CreativeOhio ConnectCO admin2026-09-21T16:11:54-04:00CREATIVEOHIO ConnectA timely list of opportunities for CreativeOhio membersIf you are a CreativeOhio Member and would like us to share an opportunity that is relevant to CreativeOhio members, please email [email protected]. opportunities for organizationsopportunities for artistsRegional OpportunitiesWEAVING ARTS + CIVICS TOGETHER VIRTUAL TOWN HALLJoin us Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 6:00 pm – 7:30pm, for Weaving Arts + Civics Together: A Non-Partisan Virtual Town Hall, a free gathering for artists, creatives, arts organizations, and community members ahead of the November 3rd general election.In partnership with Artfluential, Creative Ohio, Deep Roots, and the City of Cleveland, this virtual town hall will feature conversations on art and advocacy, getting your organization and community vote-ready, and practical resources for meaningful civic engagement.Attendees will:Recognize the power of their creative voice and the role artists can play in shaping conversations and creating meaningful civic change.Explore what civic engagement can look like beyond voting, including advocacy, storytelling, community organizing, relationship-building, and collective action.Gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing Ohio’s arts and creative communities.Discover ways to use art and storytelling as tools for civic engagement, helping communities share their experiences, amplify their voices, and connect around issues that matter.Come learn, connect, and discover how your creative practice can help empower your community during election season and beyond!This town hall is for artists, creatives, arts and culture organizations, community leaders, and anyone interested in the intersection of creativity and civic engagement.REGISTER FOR TOWN HALLOpportunities for OrganizationsTimely funding and educational and networking events available at national and statewide levels that may be relevant to CreativeOhio member organizations.Ohio ARts Professional Network 2026 ConferenceEarly Bird Registration Deadline: July 31, 2026Regular Registration Deadline: October 16, 2026Conference: October 18 through 20, 2026 | Fitton Center for the Creative Arts, Hamilton, OhioThe OAPN Conference brings together a community of performing arts presenters, venue managers, marketing teams, touring artists, and agencies from across Ohio, the region, and beyond. It’s a space to connect, learn from one another, and build relationships that lead to long-lasting business relationships and friendships.Throughout the conference, 24 artists will perform live juried showcases, and attendees engage in one-on-one networking and conduct business in the exhibit hall. Presenters attend with intention—seeking to discover artists and meet with agents as they plan future seasons and programs.The 2026 conference will also include professional development sessions, curated networking opportunities, mentorship, a new member orientation, an awards ceremony, networking lunches, and opening & closing night receptions. Our Sponsors will be invited to a special VIP sponsor reception.LEARN MORE ArtsRiseDeadline: 90 days prior to project start dateThe Ohio Arts Council strives to support the arts in all communities throughout the state. ArtsRISE is designed to support organizations working to expand access to activities to a broad range of participants, address accessibility and other aspects of welcoming program design, present arts programming of culturally specific* or ethnic organizations, and support meaningful engagement with other constituent groups.Awards may support: 1) organizations whose staff and board represent these specific communities; and/or 2) organizations’ efforts to improve their programs’ access.*The National Standard for Arts Information Exchange Project (NISP) defines culturally specific populations as American Indian/ Alaskan Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander; Ohio has traditionally included the addition of Appalachian to this definition.LEARN MORE Opportunities for ArtistsTimely calls for entry (exhibition and publication) provided by CreativeOhio members.Ohio Arts Council: artists with disabilities access program (ADAP)Applications due: November 1, 2026The Artists with Disabilities Access Program (ADAP) provides funding that gives individual artists with disabilities the resources they need to further their artistic development. Creative expression by artists of all abilities is essential to building dynamic and diverse communities throughout Ohio. ADAP awards help artists with disabilities advance their artistic practices, making Ohio a more accessible and inclusive place to build an artistic career.LEARN MOREjuried 2027 solo exhibition open callApplications due: October 28, 2026Calling all Ohio-based artists!We’re excited to announce that the Wild Goose Creative’s Juried 2027 Solo Exhibition Open Call is now live! Apply by Wednesday, October 28, at 11:45 PM!LEARN MOREseen + heard open callApplications due: October 11, 2026Seen + Heard is a regional exhibition that brings together women and people with diverse experiences of femininity to share their stories through visual art and contemporary craft. Representing a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences, participating artists challenge stereotypes, confront marginalization, and celebrate the richness and complexity of women’s lives, feminine identities, and gendered experiences in Appalachia.LEARN MOREPOllock-Krasner Foundation: GrantOngoingPollock-Krasner grants have enabled artists to create new work, purchase needed materials and pay for studio rent, as well as their personal expenses. Past recipients of Pollock-Krasner grants acknowledge their critical impact in allowing concentrated time for studio work, and in preparing for exhibitions and other professional opportunities such as accepting a residency.LEARN MORERegional OpportunitiesTimely gran