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Support & Resources for Artists

We provide comprehensive support to artists throughout their careers. Find details about funding, free workshops, networking and art calls.

Important Dates & Deadlines
  • Oct 31: 2024 Funds for Artists, Closes
  • Oct 31: 2024 Funds for Artists, Closes
  • Oct 31: 2024 Funds for Artists, Closes
  • Oct 31: 2024 Funds for Artists, Closes
  • Oct 31: 2024 Funds for Artists, Closes
  • Oct 31: 2024 Funds for Artists, Closes
  • Oct 31: 2024 Funds for Artists, Closes
  • Oct 31: 2024 Funds for Artists, Closes
  • Oct 31: 2024 Funds for Artists, Closes
  • Funding for Artists

    Check out the latest funding opportunities and guidelines.

    Studios & Spaces

    Find available spaces for rent that have been submitted by community organizations and businesses.

    Opportunities For Artists

    Opportunities, jobs, and outside grants are all listed here.

    Artists FAQs

    Get all your questions answered.

    Artist Workshops

    Upcoming workshops for GCAC Funding Opportunities as well as topics related to being an artist in Columbus. Please check back regularly to discover new workshops and view recordings of past workshops. Sign up for our GCAC Alerts Newsletter to receive updates about upcoming workshops and other resources.

    Recorded Workshops

    Video Thumnail for 2024 Artist Projects

    2024 Artist Projects

    This virtual workshop provides information on our new program, Artist Projects. This competitive grant provides financial support for artist creation in all disciplines and brings original, artist-led projects to life. Open to individual artists, or groups of artists, with residency in Franklin County or a bordering county. Projects must demonstrate payment to artists involved and have a defined end result that allow the public to experience the art created. Examples of a defined end result include performances, exhibitions, installations, festivals, locally-produced films/tv series, published works, recordings, art experiences, and community events where the arts are at the core.

    Video Thumnail for Tax Basics For Artists Virtual Workshop

    Tax Basics For Artists Virtual Workshop

    Whoever said the only two certainties in life are death and taxes, probably never met our workshop! We’re here to make at least one of those inevitable things a breeze. Let’s take a look at the basics of federal income tax for all you creative geniuses out there, and explore some typical deductions that’ll make your inner entrepreneur do a happy dance. Plus, we’ve got the scoop on the latest 2024 updates! But wait, there’s more! We’ll give you the lowdown on how tax rules vary depending on your income source and how you can boost your financial wellness by taking advantage of deductions like student loan interest and retirement savings. And, of course, we’ll wrap it all up with some insider tips to keep your records top-notch. So, let’s make taxes as easy as pie!

    Video Thumnail for 2024 Mural Assistance for Artists

    2024 Mural Assistance for Artists

    This workshop will provide information on the 2024 Mural Assistance for Artists program. The Mural Assistance grant is designed for Franklin County artists that will engage with organizations, businesses or facilities on an exterior mural project. This grant is competitive and provides partial funding for the creation of a mural. A specific wall must be defined, and there should be a written contract between the artist(s) and commissioning entity, with secured additional funding of $500.00 minimum. (Mural Assistance for Organizations is not available for 2024. Organizations are welcome to attend the workshop but must work with an individual artist who will be responsible for the application and payments.)

    Video Thumnail for Mural Panel Workshop

    Mural Panel Workshop

    National mural artists Emma Daisy,Woke3 and Brooks had a panel discussion on preparing for mural making. View the discussion to hear more about their planning tips, ways to protect yourself and how to negotiate your worth. This workshop was designed for artists but would also be informational for those interested in hiring murals.

    Video Thumnail for Workshop Contracts Meeting Recording

    Workshop Contracts Meeting Recording

    Providing a high-level discussion on contracts – a critical tool for all artists. Facilitator Joseph Popp, JD and principal at Rea & Associates, will discuss basic contract concepts and traps for the unwary. He will share sample contracts from a gallery and a retail shop and will also walk through contract templates that you can use yourself. Greater Columbus Arts Council Supporting Art. Advancing Culture.

    Video Thumnail for Contracts For Artists

    Contracts For Artists

    Providing a high-level discussion on contracts – a critical tool for all artists. Facilitator Joseph Popp, JD and principal at Rea & Associates, will discuss basic contract concepts and traps for the unwary. He will share sample contracts from a gallery and a retail shop and will also walk through contract templates that you can use yourself.

    Video Thumnail for Organize Your Risk Management to Maximize your Creativity

    Organize Your Risk Management to Maximize your Creativity

    Presented by Wells CPA and Hylant Insurance Brokerage, this workshipo covered topics including cyber fraud, policy enforcement, Duty to Defend and insurance for property, staff and board members.

    Video Thumnail for Taxes for Artists with Elaine Luttrull

    Taxes for Artists with Elaine Luttrull

    Join financial expert Elaine Grogan Luttrull of Minerva Financial Arts as she reviews the U.S. Federal tax basics every artist and creative entreprenuer should know. She will review common deductions, which records to retain for tax purposes and effective systems for tracking expenses and income. She will also review the general Federal income tax landscape and updates for 2023. Greater Columbus Arts Council Supporting Art. Advancing Culture.

    Video Thumnail for Mural Assistance Artist and Organizations

    Mural Assistance Artist and Organizations

    This workshop will provide information on the Mural opportunity for organizations and artists. This competitive grant provides partial funding for the creation of exterior murals by local artists where a specific wall is identified, maintenance is planned and there is a written contract between artist(s) and commissioning organization. Organization Guidelines: https://www.gcac.org/wp-content/uploa… Artists Guidelines: https://www.gcac.org/wp-content/uploa… Greater Columbus Arts Council Supporting Art. Advancing Culture.

    Video Thumnail for Project Support 2023

    Project Support 2023

    Greater Columbus Arts Council Supporting Art. Advancing Culture. Project Support grant guidelines, eligibility, timeline, online application, and how to create a strong application.

    Video Thumnail for Fiscal Sponsor Workshop Panel

    Fiscal Sponsor Workshop Panel

    Greater Columbus Arts Council Supporting Art. Advancing Culture. Hosted by Mckenzi Swinehart, Grants & Services Manager. Are you a nonprofit that offers Fiscal Sponsorship? Are you an artist who needs a Fiscal Sponsor? This workshop is for you! Learn the ins and outs of Fiscal Sponsorship. Our panel of experts: Jessica M. Johnson, CPA, Accounting Solutions of Ohio J. Bradley Britton, J.D., LL.M., The Columbus Foundation Teresa Trost, Executive Director, Community Shares of Mid Ohio

    Video Thumnail for NFTs with Lisa Steward

    NFTs with Lisa Steward

    Join Lisa Steward, Global Head of Marketing for ZHEN., an art tech company, for a conversation that breaks down this new art form, clarifies misconceptions, and provides you with resources to learn more. Lisa will explain new terminology, provide artists with a list of tools they need to get started, and give an overview of the current NFT marketplace climate.

    Opportunities for artists

    Check out the latest funding opportunities and guidelines.

    Funding for Artists

    GCAC offers grants, fellowships, residencies, and exchanges for Franklin County artists. Funding Guidelines are released December 1.

    Funding for Artists

    Job Opportunities

    Arts-related opportunities—jobs, calls and more.

    Job Opportunities

    Opportunities For Artists

    GCAC aims to connect individual artists and arts organizations to opportunities and to each other. View to view local, state, national, and international calls.

    Opportunities for Artists
    Investment from the Greater Columbus Arts Council has allowed the Lincoln Theatre Association to focus a lens on how art balances the world and to be intentional in our efforts to wok towards equity for artists of color.

    — Lincoln Theatre
    The grant has given me the space and time to write free from distraction or household responsibilities. An unexpected benefit of this grant is that I’m now able to host a monthly write-in for Asian American writers in The Nest’s conference room... Without this grant, I wouldn't be able to support other Asian American writers in their creative endeavors.

    — Sayuri Ayers
    The most unexpected benefit that I received from the grant was the fact that curators and peers took notice of my being awarded the grant and therefore found me worthy of other opportunities in Columbus' art scene... These grant opportunities allow me to reveal to myself that I do, indeed, have the artistic strength to step into the ring and compete with other Columbus artists for space and viewings.

    — Ethan Rucker

    Have Questions?

    For questions about grant programs or applying for grants, please contact grants@gcac.org OR
    Alison Barret – VP Grants & Community Engagement 614-221-8406
    McKenzi Swinehart – Grants & Community Engagement Director 614-221-9746
    Khaila Carr – Grants & Community Engagement Associate 614-221-8569

    Our in-person office hours are M – W, 9 – 5 PM.

    All Artist FAQs

    Can I start my application and come back to it later?

    Yes. Make sure you click the “Save” button before leaving the application. You can return to the application by logging back in and finding it in the “Applications In Process” section. The application isn’t submitted until you select the “Submit” button.

    What does GCAC do? Does GCAC only give grants?
    GCAC provides a wide range of services to support artists and arts & cultural organizations in Columbus. Our most important role is as tireless advocates for the support of the arts in our communities. Most artists know us for our grants, but GCAC also offers so much more, such as free business-of-art workshops, online resources, connections and coaching. GCAC is also a champion for public art in the city and is home to the Loanne Crane Gallery.
    How do I demonstrate that I am a working artist?

    When you apply for a grant, we will ask you to upload an artist resume and/or artist bio. These documents are critical to help GCAC determine if you are a professional, working artist with an independent body of work. Please be sure to list past exhibitions, performances, film screenings, publications, and/or readings.  

    Additionally, we ask for up to 5 artistic work samples to further verify your working artist status. These can include images, video, audio and/or a link to a website with work samples. Strictly commercial artistic work (ex: portrait/event photography, graphic design for businesses, film/music production for businesses/other artists) does NOT qualify.

    How does GCAC define a working artist?
    This is a question we have asked ourselves and our community many times. We are constantly evaluating this answer as art is everchanging. As of now, GCAC defines a working artist as such:
    • The artist is likely paid for performances, sells their artwork and/or shares their body of work with the general public.
    • The artist is focused on expressing their own creative or aesthetic ideas, rather than on documentation or journalism.
    Is there an application fee?
    No, GCAC grants do not have a submission fee, with the exception of the Aminah Robinson Residency.
    I submitted my application, now what?

    Please be patient as we review your grant application! Applicants will be notified by email of their application award status (approved, approved with contingencies, or declined). Be sure to keep your contact information and profile up-to-date in the online application portal. Our guidelines always note a timeline with a set notification date.

    Can I come to the GCAC office?

    Sure, come visit! Our offices are located at 182 E Long Street and we are happy to answer any questions in person. There are marked GCAC guest spots in the lot adjacent to our office and we are easily accessible by multiple COTA bus lines. To ensure someone will be available to assist you, it is recommended that you email grants@gcac.org or call (614)-224-2606 first.

     

    Where do I apply?

    We use GoArts as our application portal for all grants. To access the portal, click here.

    If this is your first time applying for a GCAC grant, click “Register Here” on the right to get started.  

    If you are a returning applicant, log in with your existing email and password.  

    You can click “forgot password” if you need to as well.