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
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
GCAC Workshop: Cyber Security: What is it? How to Stay protected
OSA Technology Partners is bringing cybersecurity to the forefront of everyone’s minds. While many people have a base understanding of protecting their digital assets, OSA aims to further that knowledge and provide a deeper understanding of the risks our digital world contains in the modern day. Topics include Cybersecurity basics, Tips to protect yourself, and Products available to assist you.
Neighborhood Arts Connection application workshop
Recorded from the 9/20/23 online workshop on applying for a Neighborhood Arts Connection Fellowship.
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.
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.
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.
General Support Pre Qualification Webinar
Greater Columbus Arts Council Supporting Art. Advancing Culture.
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
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.
GCAC Workshop: Protect Your Art: Contracts, Trademarks, and more. Hosted by Scott Brown
Greater Columbus Arts Council Supporting Art. Advancing Culture.
Workshop: Taxes for Artists
Hosted by Jessica Johnson, President & CEO of Accounting Solutions of Ohio. Jessica will inform artists on how taxes work for artists specifically and answer questions in regards to filing and what to look out for.
Tips on Getting Insurance Through the Affordable Care Act
Need health insurance? The deadline for open enrollment through the Affordable Care Act marketplace is Jan. 15, 2022. Sandra Moody of Dehan Insurance provides an overview of the various plans and tips on navigating HealthCare.gov.
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.