Arts Innovation—Investing in Visionary Ideas

The Arts Innovation program is specifically designed to fund the newest, most inventive, and most extraordinary arts projects in Ohio. Organizations breaking new ground, pioneering something completely unexpected, or pushing the envelope in a creative new way should apply to the Arts Innovation program.

Throughout time inventors, artists, and individuals willing to take risks have unleashed the power of their imagination and changed the landscape of human history. It is that creative and entrepreneurial spirit the OAC has embraced with the Arts Innovation program—a way for us to invest in the most forward-thinking ideas in the arts to help set them in motion. This program is for organizations only. Applicants will be held accountable to the highest standards in strategic planning and community involvement, but innovative concepts will be rewarded. The Ohio Arts Council recognizes that everything is relative: what's tried and true in one community may be new and exciting to another.

The OAC believes that continuing that innovative spirit is essential to Ohio's arts organizations. The arts community in Ohio is robust, effective and essential to the health of our state - but it cannot become more so without evolving and changing over time in response to new audiences, technologies and realities. The Arts Innovation program is designed to help fund the continuing evolution of these communities.

Before applying to this program you must read Guidelines, specifically the legal and program requirements. Unless otherwise stated, all future deadlines will use the new Online Grant Application system (OLGA). No paper applications will be accepted for this program.

The Ohio Arts Council is looking for people to serve on advisory panels to review grant applications. To nominate a panelist complete a Nomination for Panel Membership form or contact Karine Aswad at karine.aswad@oac.state.oh.us or 614/466-2613.

Arts Innovation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General grants process FAQ

Resources

Organizational Capacity and Project Planning Worksheets
A useful resource for small-mid size organizations for organizational and project planning.

OAC Convening Information
Documentation of the March 2004 meetings hosted by the OAC including useful concepts and methods to illustrate public value and bolster public support of the arts.

OAC Databases
Searchable databases allow you to check past OAC funding history, locate festivals, artists, creative writers and more and where you will find other useful OAC publications and rosters

Secretary of State, State of Ohio
A source of information for how to apply for not for profit status in the state of Ohio. Obtain forms and download a legal guide for non-profit organizations.

About.Com
Overview of articles related to starting a not for profit organization. Includes definitions of not for profits, a glossary and helpful tips.

ArtsinOhio.com
A terrific FREE way to promote your organization's events. Register at www.OhioEventFinder.com and begin entering your events today!