2026 Funds for Artists - Greater Columbus Arts Council
Apply for funds to support the cost of materials, supplies, and resources for creating new work; professional development or learning opportunities; or marketing and promotional expenses.
Does this fit your work? 5 questions score every call to your medium, location and budget. Free.
Get matched →- Deadline
- annual cycle, check dates
- Entry fee
- Not listed - check the source
- Location
- Franklin County, Ohio
About
Overview
This program assists working artists with the cost of materials, supplies, and resources used to create new work; professional development or learning opportunities; or marketing or promotional expenses. GCAC's 2026 funding is dependent on City of Columbus bed tax and admission tax revenues, as well as Franklin County funding. Due to changing economic factors, grant amounts for 2026 will be lower than last year.
Important Note
Due to limited funding, GCAC will not offer the option to reapply if an application is incomplete or ineligible. All applicants must review guidelines, watch/attend grant workshops, and send questions to the GCAC Grants & Community Engagement staff before submitting.
Eligibility
- Individuals working in dance, fashion, film, literary, music, theater, visual and multidisciplinary arts
- Age 18 and older
- Working artist status (has portfolio/body of work, is paid for performances or artwork, routinely creates and shares work publicly)
- Resident of Franklin County for at least one year prior to application OR agrees to remain resident for one year after award date
- As of 2026: Applicants from bordering counties are no longer eligible
- Not enrolled as degree-seeking undergraduate student
Who is Not Eligible
- Influencers or YouTube/TikTok/Instagram content creators
- Culinary artists/chefs
- Models and stylists
- Body artists (make-up, 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 (AI)
- Degree-seeking undergraduate students
Eligible Expenses
- Materials or supplies for making new work
- Software/hardware, laptops/computers
- Space rental for rehearsal, performance, exhibits
- Residency or fellowship fees
- Classes, one-on-one instruction or workshops
- Conference registration fees
- Professional development or learning opportunities
- PR consultant services
- Website or logo design
- Print or digital advertisement
- Promo videos
- Purchase or rental of tools
- Distribution services
- Submission fees
- Post-production services
- Performance, event, exhibition and showcase expenses (venue rentals, special event permits, costumes, etc.)
- Travel expenses related to specific, formal artistic opportunities (conferences, residencies, multi-day workshops)
Contact
- Phone: +16142218806
- Email: [email protected]
- For questions about eligible expenses, contact [email protected] before starting your application
- Eligibility
- Working artists age 18 and older in dance, fashion, film, literary, music, theater, visual and multidisciplinary arts who have been Franklin County residents for at least one year prior to application (or agree to remain resident for one year after award); not degree-seeking undergraduates; not enrolled students, event/music/movie producers, influencers, content creators, culinary artists, models, stylists, body artists, engineers, strictly commercial photographers/videographers, DJs, religious/worship leaders, or artists using only artificial intelligence.
- Audience
- Working artists age 18 and older in dance, fashion, film, literary, music, theater, visual and multidisciplinary arts.
- Contact
- [email protected]
Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.