Individual Artist Grant Programs and Services

Investing in the Future of Ohio's Artists

Individual artists are making a difference in communities across Ohio every day. They illuminate community identity and help us understand and imagine our lives in new ways. Our lives are richer and more remarkable because of the contribution of artists to the social, physical, economic and spiritual fabric of our neighborhoods and towns. The presence of artists in a particular place is a strong indicator of cultural vitality. Businesses, new and old alike, need places where work and play come together in creative and dynamic ways. Artists living and working in a community affect the extent to which arts and culture are integrated into the schools and the number of non-profit arts organizations, theatres, art classes, galleries, and venues for live music in that community.

IAGPS grant programs:

The Individual Artist Grant Programs and Services office offers grants to individual artists in two program areas:

1.The Individual Excellence Awards program provides grants to Ohio artists for the exceptional merit of a body of work. These awards recognize creativity and imagination that exemplifies the highest level of achievement in a particular discipline and advances the art form. IMPORTANT!!!! NEW GUIDELINES FOR THE SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 DEADLINE! There are important changes that might effect your eligibility to apply at this deadline. Please read the new program guidelines before deciding to apply. Click on program name above to access these guidelines.

2. The Traditional Arts Apprenticeship program strives to keep alive traditional and folk arts by supporting collaborations between master artists and dedicated apprentices. Master artists preserve ethnic, occupational, regional group, community or family traditions that have been passed down for generations.

You must read the Guidelines, and specifically the legal and program requirements, before you apply to either of these programs. To reach the specific program guidelines click on the program name above. To apply to these programs use our Online Grants Application System, OLGA.

FAQ's on Individual Artist Grant Programs and Services

FAQ's on General grants process

Grant opportunities for artists through other OAC programs:

To learn more about other programs we have for artists click here.

Other services we provide for artists:

NEW! In addition to grants the OAC?s IAGPS office offers a number of resources for artist. We?ve created a page that holds all these resources; visit it now by following this link: Artist Resources

Other information you should know:

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.