Support & Resources for Artists
We provide comprehensive support to artists throughout their careers. Find details about funding, free workshops, networking and art calls.
Artist Workshops
GCAC presents workshops on how to apply for funding opportunities as well as topics related to being a working artist in Columbus. Click Here for a list of upcoming workshops and view recordings of past workshops. Sign up for the GCAC Alerts newsletter to receive updates on workshops and other resources.
Recorded Workshops
Artist Projects Round 2 Virtual Workshop
This virtual workshop provided information for Round 2 of our new grant 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 allows 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 arts are at the core. Visit the Artist Projects guidelines page for more details.
Accessibility in Marketing: Tools & resources to make your online marketing more accessible for all people
In this workshop, Art Possible Ohio will provide a deep dive into making your organization’s marketing and website more accessible for individuals with disabilities. Participants will leave the workshop with knowledge of best practices, accessible resources for proactivity, and a list of short and long-term goals to improve your website and overall digital marketing plan.
Funds Fort Artists 2024 Grant Virtual Workshop
A quick overview from Ariel your Funds For Artist Grant manager in 2024. He will be you main contact for most frequent questions. Stay tuned for more video workshops on GCAC grant application processes. Greater Columbus Arts Council Supporting Art. Advancing Culture.
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.
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!
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Opportunities for artists
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 ArtistsHave 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.
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?
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?
- 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?
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.