Other Programs, Partnerships, Services

• Building Cultural Diversity Initiative
• Ohio Artists on Tour Directory
• Ohio Artists on Tour Fee Support Component
• Appalachian Artist Directory
• ArtsinOhio.com
• Directory of Ohio Creative Writers
• Festivals and Competitions Directory
• Ohio Heritage Fellowships
• Ohio River Border Initiative
• Online Visual Artist Registry
• Percent for Art Program
• Riffe Gallery

This section of Guidelines is available as a PDF for you to download and print out if you prefer to read it offline. You must also read Legal Requirements if you plan to apply for OAC funding. A PDF of the complete version of the Guidelines is available in the Introduction.

Building Cultural Diversity Initiative

Why the OAC supports the Building Cultural Diversity Initiative
Ohio’s communities are enriched by people representing many different cultures and ethnicities. The Ohio Arts Council is committed to ensuring that Ohio citizens have broad access to and opportunities to participate in diverse arts experiences. The OAC believes that public investment in culturally diverse arts organizations and emerging arts professionals ensures that Ohio citizens can experience a rich, diverse, and vibrant cultural life. Encouraging the artistic expression of multiple perspectives can be a catalyst for building community dialogue and understanding.

Deadline: Monthly through April
Applications must be received in OLGA no later than 5 p.m. on the second Friday of any given month. Applications will be accepted only through the second Friday of April (for activities occurring May 15-June 30), except in rare circumstances. Please check with your program coordinator. Project activity start dates must be no sooner than four weeks after the date of submission in the OAC's Online Grant Applications (OLGA) system. Beginning June 1 of each year, applications will be accepted for the next fiscal year.

Applicants must contact their OAC program coordinator to discuss their organization's plans and to receive access to the grant application.

What the Initiative Supports
The Building Cultural Diversity Initiative supports the development and viability of culturally diverse arts organizations whose mission, programs, and staff are representative of the Black/African American, Appalachian, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, or other culturally specific perspectives. The program also supports arts organizations in the training of emerging minority arts administrators. Because the OAC seeks to ensure that Ohio has a strong culturally diverse arts sector, this program was developed to address the wide range of needs faced by diverse arts groups, such as operational expenses, leadership development, organizational planning, program development, and special project costs.

The OAC supports this work by providing current information and resources when appropriate; maintaining a searchable database of screened, preferred consultants; and remaining as flexible as possible with our assistance. OAC staff are available to coach grant applicants through the process to ensure that funding has significant impact.

Building Cultural Diversity grants are competitive. Organizations are strongly encouraged to contact the OAC staff before submitting an application and to allow time for careful planning.

Examples of Eligible Activities
Funded activities may include, but are not limited to:

• Long-range or strategic planning sessions
• Attendance or presentation at a conference, workshop, or seminar
• Development of fiscal management systems
• Development of fundraising or marketing plans
• Creation/expansion of a Web site
• Equipment purchase (not to exceed $500)
• Facility rental
• Assistance in becoming a 501(c)(3) organization
• Artists’ fees or assistance in the creation or presentation of artistic work
• Professionally significant internships (10-16 weeks) for emerging minority arts leaders in all areas of arts administration
• Seed funding for a new staff position

Who May Apply
Building Cultural Diversity grants are available to both established and emerging culturally diverse arts organizations and non-arts organizations with an arts component. Organizations must have a non-profit status or be non-profit in intent. Due to limited funding, priority generally will be given to small, emerging, and mid-sized arts and cultural organizations and organizations that have shown a commitment over time to arts and cultural programming. Organizations are considered culturally diverse if at least 50% of their staff and/or board are comprised of individuals from one or more culturally specific populations and they focus on the arts and culture of one or more culturally specific populations. Because cultures express creativity through many different means, the OAC will remain flexible in its consideration of an organization’s cultural activities. Please contact a program coordinator if you have questions about your organization’s eligibility.

Grant Range
Grants will range between $500 to $5,000; however, most grants will average $2,500. Applicants must show a 50% match of the OAC request, half of which may be from allowable, appropriate in-kind donations. Please discuss the source of your intended in-kind donations with your program coordinator prior to submitting your application to make sure that you have listed your in-kind correctly.

Program Requirements
All applicants should read Legal Requirements and Ohio Arts Council Rules and Grants Process for Organizations before applying to this program. Because funds are limited, applicants may not receive more than one grant in a fiscal year and, in general, no more than three grants in three fiscal years. Funding requests can not duplicate any other funding received from the OAC. All grantees will be required to send at least one representative who is knowledgeable about the grant activity to an OAC sponsored workshop in Columbus in 2008. Failure to attend this discussion may jeopardize the receipt of future funding from the OAC.

Additional Information
OAC grants are paid after grant activities are completed and after a satisfactory Final Report has been submitted through OLGA. The OAC must receive the Final Report within 30 days of completion of the project or program or the grant may be canceled. Requests for extensions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be granted if a written request is submitted before the due date of the Final Report. The Final Report Form is linked to the application and Grant Agreement. Grantees should refer to both documents as they prepare the final report, or payment may be delayed. Grantees may request one partial payment during the course of the grant period.

How to Apply
Applicants must contact their OAC program coordinator prior to applying for funding through this category and to receive access to the grant application. Through this conversation, applicants may learn about important resources or determine the most appropriate course of action for their organization. Although applications may be submitted anytime through April, funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis beginning with the start of the OAC fiscal year (July 1). Applications are reviewed on a monthly basis by an internal committee and must be approved by the OAC Executive Director and Deputy Director. Notification is generally made within one month of submission.

All applications to the OAC must be submitted via its online application system, OLGA. No paper applications are accepted. See “Grants Process for Organizations.” If you need assistance in navigating OLGA, please contact the OAC’s Office of Grants Administration and Constituent Services.

What the OAC Needs

• A completed Building Cultural Diversity Initiative application must be submitted via the OAC’s online application system (OLGA). No paper applications are accepted.
• One set of required support materials (listed below) must be received in the OAC office no later than 5 p.m. no more than seven days after the application is submitted (e.g., if an application is submitted on September 10, support materials must be received in the OAC office no later than 5 p.m. September 17). If the support materials do not reach the OAC within this timeframe, the application will not be accepted. You will be notified via your online account when materials are received.
• Include with your support materials an Assurances/Signature/Support Materials Checklist. This document will appear on your computer immediately after your application is submitted. It must be signed by your organization’s board president or an authorized official.

Support Materials
Support materials strengthen your application. Please do not use plastic sleeves or binders to submit support materials. Pocket folders are acceptable. Submit only one (1) set of the following support materials:

• Budget Breakout of Expenses and Income that matches the expenses and income in your application. This is akin to the worksheet that you used to arrive at the figure shown on each line item.
• Maximum of six (6) pieces, no more than two years old, from the following list: brochure, program, calendar, press release, press clippings, newsletter, annual report, exhibition catalogue, audience survey, critical review, educational materials, unsolicited letters of support.
• List of board members and their professional affiliations and lists of committees.
• Letters of commitment from any organization mentioned in the application as a partner, e.g., social service agency, school district, local business, another arts organization.

• For consultancies, resume of proposed consultant (if not from OAC consultant database) and a 1–2 page signed contract or letter of intent outlining the scope of work to be performed, dates, and cost.
• For professional development, materials from proposed workshop, conference, or seminar.
• For internships/staff positions, job description with proposed list of duties. Resume of applicant or plan for advertising the position.
• For artistic work, resume or bio and a 1-2 page signed contract or letter of intent for each artist mentioned in the application.

Evaluation/Scoring Process
In general, successful applicants will address the following criteria:

• Applicant demonstrates that their organization’s activities and mission provide artistic, cultural and/or educational value to the community being served.
• Applicant understands and is responsive to the diverse interests and needs of the community, encourages community interaction and participation, and provides accessibility to their programs.
• Applicant outlines a logical, thoughtful sequence of proposed activities appropriate for the organization’s current circumstances and long-term success.
• Applicant demonstrates the ability to complete the proposed project or programming.
• The budget is accurate and realistic for the organization or project and correlates to the applicant’s narrative.
• Applicant is able to send a representative to an OAC workshop in Columbus in the Spring of 2008.

Ohio Artists on Tour Directory

For Artists

Deadline: June 1

What the Program Supports

The Ohio Arts Council strongly believes Ohio arts organizations should support the artistic endeavors of Ohio artists. This service is designed to introduce presenters to the wealth of artists in Ohio who are available for touring. Individual performing artists and groups that apply and are selected by the OAC’s Artist Review Panel are listed in the Ohio Artists on Tour Directory. Artists in the directory do not receive funds directly from the OAC. Organizational presenting applicants should refer to the “Sustainability” section for information about the benefits for presenters who book Ohio artists.

Planning, negotiating and contracting for artists on the Ohio Artists on Tour Directory are the same as those for any engagement. Sometimes presenters who are interested in a specific artist determine that the artist is in the OAC directory. Other times presenters use the Directory to find new artists. The artist or artist representative is expected to provide an effective marketing plan to maximize touring possibilities and should not rely solely on the Ohio Artists on Tour Directory to promote his or her work.

Individual artists must be residents of Ohio. Groups must consist of a majority of Ohio residents.   Documentation of Ohio residency is a required part of the support materials.  An artist must remain an Ohio resident to continue as a member of the program.

This program is for professional artists and groups that have a solid history of touring. College and university student organizations and groups whose members are primarily students are not eligible.

Artists or ensembles do not need to be incorporated as nonprofit enterprises to apply.

How to Apply

Artists interested in becoming members of the Ohio Artists on Tour Directory apply to the OAC using the application via the OAC’s Web site, www.oac.state.oh.us/grantsprogs/forms.asp.

Applicants are encouraged to submit a draft of their application to the Office of Organizational Services and Community Development no later than 30 days prior to the application deadline so staff will have time to review it and provide feedback.  Contact the Office of Organizational Services and Community Development before submitting a draft application.

What the OAC Needs

NOTE: If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is the next business day.

• Three sets of required support materials and signature page must be received in the OAC offices within 7 calendar days of the deadline date.  If support materials do not reach the OAC within this timeframe, the application will not be accepted.

If any of the required support materials are not available, include an explanation in each packet as to why it is unavailable.  Artists must send the required audio-video materials.

The OAC requires:

• Checklist of all included materials.
• Copy of performance contract.
• Sample review of past performances.  Less than three years old and no more than three examples.
• Description of residency and/or outreach activities.
• Current press and promotional materials, including but not limited to:
  • photo
  • artwork that can be used for flyers, posters and advertising.
  • sample press releases and public service announcements
  • sample programs
  • artist bios
  • brochure
• One set of audio or video materials less than two years old. The audio visual screening notes must be included. Screening Notes   Failure to provide the required audio or video materials will result in automatic rejection of your application.   Recordings will be returned if you include a self-addressed mailer with appropriate postage.
• Documentation of Ohio residency. For individual artists or for a group up to eight performers, each person should supply one of these forms of documentation:
  • photocopy of an Ohio driver’s license or other valid state ID.  Do not include your social security number when submitting identification.
  • photocopy of a lease, rental agreement or mortgage.
  • for groups of eight or more members, either a notarized statement signed by all members verifying Ohio as their primary state of residence or a copy of a Certificate of Incorporation for the group issued by the Ohio Secretary of State.
• For groups of more than eight members, either a notarized statement signed by all members verifying Ohio as their primary state of residence or a copy of a Certificate of Incorporation for the group issued by the Ohio Secretary of State.

Applications are reviewed by the OAC Artist Review Panel, a group of artists and presenters appointed by the OAC Board. Applicants are reviewed on the following criteria:

• Artistic quality
• Management and ability to work with presenters
• Quality of promotional materials

Ohio Artists on Tour Fee Support Requests

The Ohio Arts Council believes that the arts and cultural assets are important contributors to the quality of life in a particular place and important economic drivers for a region and the state. Ohio Artists on Tour fee support enables Ohio’s arts organizations to tap into the creative potential of Ohio artists to enrich their programming and the vitality of their communities. To learn more about the many talented touring artists listed in the Ohio Artists on Tour Directory visit www.oac.state.oh.us/search/ArtistsOnTour/.

Eligibility

• Organizations applying for funds to present an artist listed in the directory must be incorporated in Ohio and be located in Ohio. Applicants must intend their program or project to be nonprofit. Refer to the Legal Requirements listed in the Guidelines.

How to Apply - Sustainability and Arts Access Program Applicants

• You are not required to complete an additional application to apply for Ohio Artists on Tour funds, see request process below.
• Outreach activities are not required; however, they are highly encouraged.
• Engagements must be marketed to the general public.

How to Apply - Organizations not applying to Sustainability or Arts Access programs.

• Applicants will be required to complete a Special Organization Application through the Online Grants Application (OLGA). www.culturegrants-oh.org.
• Applicants must contact the Office of Grants Administration and Constituent Services to request access to the application.
• At least one outreach activity is required to receive funding.
• Examples of outreach activities: master class, lecture/demonstration, school performance or workshop.
• Engagements must be marketed to the general public.
• Support material list

Signature page

One-paragraph biographies of key administrative staff

List of board members and their professional affiliations

Maximum of five pieces, no more than two yeard old, from the list below:

annual report

audience survey

invitation

newsletter

press clippings

press release

program

season brochure

Request Process – All Applicants

• All requests are on a first-come, first-served basis.
• A Contract Summary Page is required for each request.
• Multiple requests may be submitted per the following funding guidelines:
• Presenters may request one third of an artist/ensemble’s fee including travel, lodging and outreach activities.
• Maximum request is $10,000 per contract.
• Maximum grant award is $15,000 per organization.
• A fully executed contract for each request must be submitted to the Ohio Arts Council. Each contract should include dates of engagement, contracted fee, number of performances and outreach activities if applicable. Each contract must be signed and dated by the presenter and artist or artist management.
• If a grant award is made a final report will be required prior to receiving the funds.

Timeline - All engagements must take place between July 1 and June 30
Contract Summary Page is available	March 1
First day to review Contract Summary Pages	April 1
Last day to submit Contract Summary Pages	May 1 by 5 p.m. unless funds have been depleted
Last day to submit Special Organization Application	May 1 by 5 p.m.
Last day to submit Special Organization Support Materials and Signature Page	May 8 by 5 p.m.
Final date to submit fully-executed contracts	May 15 by 5 p.m.
Grant award announcement	Mid- to late July
Grant agreement mailed	Mid-August

For additional information contact your regional Program Coordinator

 

Appalachian Artist Directory

The Ohio Appalachian Artist Directory is an online searchable listing of artists that live and work in or near Ohio’s Appalachian region. The directory is managed by the Ohio Arts Council and is free and open to the public for browsing and searching. The purpose of the directory is to increase access to and communication among Ohio’s many Appalachian artists and arts organizations, and to help strengthen the role the arts play in the communities of Appalachian Ohio. The Ohio Appalachian Artist Directory makes searching for artists and craftspersons easier and faster than it has ever been before. The directory is available online at www.oac.state.oh.us/search/AppalachianArts/. For more information, contact the OAC Office of Organizational Services.

ArtsinOhio.com

ArtsinOhio.com is the comprehensive online cultural calendar of events maintained and managed by the OAC in collaboration with the Convention & Visitors Bureau of Greater Cleveland, Experience Columbus and the Greater Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau. With this free, easy to use online guide, Ohio residents and visitors can search for events by city, date, organization, special accessibility, price, special discounts and more.

More than 1,400 organizations and 1,800 venues list their information in ArtsinOhio.com, and more than 2,500 unique events are available at any time. Because of the wide variety of arts and cultural organizations listing information on this database, users obtain access to many diverse events throughout the state. Participating organizations are museums, symphonies, concert series, festivals, libraries, historical societies, zoos and many other organizations with cultural programming. Visit www.OhioEventFinder.com to register your organization.

Directory of Ohio Creative Writers

The OAC Directory of Ohio Creative Writers lists approximately 500 authors of fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, drama and literary or art criticism who live or work in Ohio. This nonjuried listing of one-page résumés supplied by creative writers is updated each year. The directory can be accessed through our Web site at http://www.oac.state.oh.us/search/writers/SearchWriters.asp

The directory serves:

• Writers who wish to network and learn more about literary activities in the state.
• Authors who wish to promote their books.
• Presenters looking for writers.
• Libraries—reference, community service and acquisitions departments.

There are no eligibility requirements for inclusion in the directory. To request a questionnaire or for additional information, please contact the OAC Office of Individual Creativity.

Festivals and Competitions Directory

The Ohio Festivals and Competitions Directory contains detailed information about arts and crafts festivals and competitions throughout each year, including dates, activities, number of spaces available for artists to display work, fees and contact information. It is organized by date and location and includes alphabetical indexes of festivals by name, city, region and sponsor. Events are classified as juried, nonjuried, invitational or juried invitational, according to information supplied by the promoters. The OAC publishes this directory and distributes it in partnership with the Ohio Arts and Crafts Guild and Ohio Designer Craftsmen. The directory is available online at www.oac.state.oh.us/search/OACFestival/SearchFestivals.asp. For more information contact the OAC Public Information Office.

Ohio Heritage Fellowships

Deadline: July 15

Each year, the OAC awards up to three $1,500 Ohio Heritage Fellowships to individuals whose work in the folk and traditional arts has a significant impact on the people and communities of the state. The folk and traditional arts grow out of particular cultures and are recognized as the artistic expressions of ethnic, linguistic, occupational or regional groups.

Awards are given in three categories: Performing Arts, Material Culture (folk art, folk crafts, folk architecture) and Community Leadership. Nominees must be Ohio residents. Awards are announced in the fall. The nomination form is available online at www.oac.state.oh.us/search/OhioHeritageFellowships/SearchFellowshipNominations.asp.

Ohio River Border Initiative

The Ohio River Border Initiative (ORBI) is a joint project of the West Virginia Commission on the Arts and the OAC to support the arts community in the Ohio River valley. ORBI’s programs are open to artists, arts groups and community arts programs in all Ohio and West Virginia counties that touch the Ohio River. These counties are Wayne, Cabell, Mason, Jackson, Wood, Pleasants, Tyler, Wetzel, Marshall, Ohio, Brooke and Hancock in West Virginia, and Lawrence, Gallia, Meigs, Athens, Washington, Monroe, Belmont, Jefferson and Columbiana in Ohio.

Since 1994, ORBI has offered an annual grant program to fund projects that encourage active collaborations among artists, communities and/or organizations on both sides of the Ohio River. ORBI also offers grants of up to $500 for individual artists through its Artist Fast Track program.

Fast Track grants are intended to support immediate, short-term projects that have a positive impact upon the career development of artists by helping them:
(1) increase access to audiences and venues,
(2) develop new skills and insights,
(3) investigate new artistic ideas and approaches.
Deadline for the Artist Fast Track is 60 days before the funds are needed.

Through the ORBI Mural Team, ORBI also offers technical assistance from an experienced and skilled group of Ohio mural artists and community activists to help local communities plan for and carry out mural projects in their communities. There is no deadline for this program.

The deadline for the annual grant program is February 1 and the maximum grant award is $3,000 to any one group or artist. Grants are awarded for projects that actively involve artists, audiences and communities on both sides of the Ohio River. For more information about ORBI, visit www.orbi.org.

Online Visual Artists Registry

The Ohio Online Visual Artist Registry is a joint project of the Ohio Percent for Art Program, administered by the OAC, and the Humanities, Fine Arts and Recreation Division of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. The registry displays works of more than 500 artists from Ohio and around the country, representing all kinds of visual art. It is a web-based, nonjuried registry that is accessible from your home, office or local library. Ohio Percent for Art Advisory Selection committees use the registry as an artist resource as do collectors, designers, architects, curators, journalists, juries, gallery owners and others interested in visual arts. The registry is available online at www.ohioonlinearts.org. For more information, contact the OAC Office of Individual Creativity.

Percent for Art Program

Ohio’s Percent for Art legislation, in effect since July 1, 1990, provides funds for the acquisition, commissioning and installation of works of art for new or renovated public buildings that receive state appropriations of more than $4 million per biennium. For these projects, the law stipulates that one percent of the total state appropriation be allocated for the acquisition, commissioning and installation of art work in public spaces. A searchable database of completed projects is available at www.oac.state.oh.us/search/Percent/SearchPercent.asp For more information, contact the OAC Office of Individual Creativity.

Riffe Gallery

The Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery showcases the work of Ohio’s artists and curators, exhibitions produced by the OAC’s International program and the collections of the region’s museums and galleries. The Riffe Gallery’s education program seeks to increase public appreciation and understanding of those exhibitions. Exhibition proposals from arts organizations may be mailed to Director, Riffe Gallery, 77 South High St, Columbus, OH 43215. The gallery does not accept exhibition proposals from individual artists.

The gallery is located in the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts, across from the Statehouse on High Street in downtown Columbus.

The Riffe Gallery hosts educational events in conjunction with each exhibition. Riffe Gallery Family Days offer free, hands-on arts activities for children and their adult chaperones. Special presentations offer informative and engaging educational opportunities for adults. Complimentary exhibition tours are provided Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and may be scheduled by calling 614/728-2239. The gallery is open Tuesday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For information, call 614/644-9624 or visit www.riffegallery.org.

This section of "Guidelines" is available as a PDF for you to download and print out if you prefer to read it offline. You must also read Legal Requirements if you plan to apply for OAC funding. A PDF of the complete version of the "Guidelines" is available in the Introduction.

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PDF of Legal Requirements (67K)
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