The Greater Columbus Arts Council will open its 2026 Funds for Artists grant program on June 1, with applications accepted through October 1. The program provides financial support to individual working artists in Franklin County for materials and supplies, professional development opportunities and marketing or promotional expenses.

Eligible disciplines include dance, fashion, film, literary arts, music, theater, visual arts and multidisciplinary work. Applicants must be working artists age 18 or older who have resided in Franklin County for at least one year, or who commit to remaining in the county for one year following an award. For 2026, the program has updated its residency requirements: artists residing outside Franklin County in bordering counties are no longer eligible to apply, due to limited funding.

The GCAC defines a working artist as someone with a portfolio or body of work, who is compensated for artistic creation, regularly shares work with the public and is focused on expressing their own creative ideas. Applications are non-competitive and reviewed by GCAC staff for eligibility and completeness. Applicants will be notified within 60 days of submission. Grantees receive 100 percent of the award amount upfront, with nine months to spend the funds.

Grant workshops and recorded walkthroughs of the application process will be available on the GCAC website at gcac.org. Artists with disabilities seeking application assistance may contact Art Possible Ohio at [email protected]. For questions about eligible expenses, contact [email protected].

Source: Greater Columbus Arts Council