2026 Funds for Artists - Greater Columbus Arts Council

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

Media accepted

portrait

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]