2026 Artists Elevated Award – Invitation Only - Greater Columbus Arts Council

Overview

Artists Elevated is an annual award presented by the Greater Columbus Arts Council to uplift professional artists through substantial individual investment. In 2026, awards will be presented in fashion, theater, and visual arts. This is an invitation-only program.

Key Dates

• June 25, 2026: Nominated artists receive email invitation to apply
• July 24, 2026 by 5 p.m.: Application due
• September 18, 2026: Applicants notified of decision
• September 18, 2027: Brief survey due from winners

Eligibility

This award is invitation only. Nominated artists must be working artists age 18 and older who have been working professionally for at least three years. They must currently live in and have had residency in Franklin County for at least three years prior to the date of application. Artists must not be enrolled as degree-seeking undergraduate students. Award recipients must remain residents of central Ohio for the entire award period (one year). Individual work only; collaborations are not eligible.

Disciplines & Media

In 2026, the program focuses on artists whose primary disciplines are fashion, theater, and visual arts.

Awards

• One artist in each of three disciplines will receive an unrestricted cash award of $35,000
• One finalist in each discipline will receive $3,500
• Artists will only be eligible for one Artists Elevated award in their lifetime

Application Requirements

• Artist statement: concise overview of your artistic practice, principles, who you are as an artist, what you do, and why you do it; career stage and next steps for elevation; specific actions critical to the next level
• Bio/Resume: artistic work (exhibitions, performances, publishing, filmmaking), awards, recognition, fellowships, art-specific roles (Word or PDF files only)
• Work Samples: Fashion: 5-10 images created in last 5 years; Theater: 3-5 YouTube/Vimeo links or uploaded pictures created in last 5 years; Visual Arts: 5-10 images created in last 5 years

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by a jury of national experts for each artistic discipline. Selection criteria include overall artistic excellence and innovation, artist statement, the potential award impact on the artist's career, and the artist's understanding of how their career and/or art practice would be elevated.

Contact

• Phone: +16142218806
• Email: [email protected]