Artist Projects Grants

The Greater Columbus Arts Council's Artist Projects grant supports original, artist-led projects in all disciplines within Columbus. It aims to foster artistic creation and ensures that artists have the freedom to define their project's goals. Eligible artists must be working in various art forms, including dance, film, and visual arts, and demonstrate community value. Awards can reach up to $10,000 for artists and $25,000 for filmmakers, promoting a vibrant arts scene in the city.

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Support artistic creation in all disciplines and bring original, new *artist-led projects to life.
Projects should:
Take place in the City of Columbus and aim to demonstrate artistic, community, and/or cultural value to the general public.Provide compensation to artist(s) engaged in one or more art forms supported by GCAC: dance, fashion, film, literary, music, theater, visual and multidisciplinary arts.
*What does “artist-led” mean?
An artist-led project is one in which the artist initiates, conceptualizes, plans, and executes the entire project—either independently or collaboratively—outside traditional or institutional frameworks.
An artist-led project is:

• Initiated by the artist—the original idea or concept belongs to the artist.Controlled by the artist—the artist has final say on all creative decisions.
• Branded as the artist—the project should be branded under the artist (not a business or nonprofit).
• Through Artist Projects, GCAC’s goal is to ensure that artists have full creative freedom; that artists define the goals and outcomes of their projects.

If the artist submits a project in response to a gallery or organization’s open call or invitation to exhibit, this would not be considered artist-led, as that exhibition is part of the gallery/nonprofit’s programs and season. Ineligible projects are externally initiated, and the opportunity is typically created by a venue, business, event producer, or organization. These projects are typically bound by curatorial direction and/or structed programming. Additionally, any work funded by Artist Projects cannot overlap with organizations receiving Operating Support, General Support, or Project Support—this includes most arts nonprofits in our region. You may still partner with an arts nonprofit as long as the event is NOT part of their programming.
Purpose:

• Support artistic creation in all disciplines and bring original, new artist-led projects to life within the City of Columbus.
• This Grant is open to:
• Individual artists and groups of artists (one person may apply on behalf of a group)
• Award Amount:
• Approximately 75 artists will receive awards of up to $10,000; 10 filmmakers are eligible for up to $25,000

Eligibility

This program is for individual artists who work in the following disciplines: dance, fashion, film, literary, music, theater, visual and multidisciplinary arts who meet the following criteria:

• Are working artists (age 18 and older):
• GCAC’s definition of a working artist:

Has a portfolio, body of work, collection, published works, or performance history;Is paid for performances, sells their artwork, or is otherwise compensated for their artistic creation;Routinely dedicates time to the creation of art and regularly shares their artwork with the public through performances, film festivals, fashion shows, publishing, exhibitions, etc.;May have formal or informal training and seeks to improve their artistic skillset; actively engages with the artistic community;Is focused on expressing their own creative and aesthetic ideas, rather than on documentation or journalism.
Note: Filmmakers are welcome to submit projects within the documentary genreResidency in the City of Columbus for at least one year prior to application;Applicant agrees to remain a resident of central Ohio for one year after the award date.Updated for 2026: Applicants living in Franklin County with residency outside of the City of Columbus may apply if the project activities take place within the City of Columbus.Are NOT enrolled as degree-seeking undergraduate students.What types of projects are eligible?Projects that are created and led by an artist (or group of artists) that involve the creation of art and meets the following criteria:Takes place within the City of Columbus;Demonstrates payment to professional artists involved (applicant may pay themselves); ANDHas a defined end result that allow the public to experience the art created;Examples: performances, exhibitions, installations, festivals, locally produced films/tv series, published works, recordings, art experiences, and community events where the arts are at the core.

Ineligibility

However, due to limited funding, we are unable to accept applications from:
Influencers or YouTube/TikTok/Instagram content creatorsCulinary artists/chefsModels and stylistsBody artists (make-up, nails, hair, tattoos, etc.)Producers/music producers/creative directors/art directorsNote: While the terms “producer” and “artist” are often used adjacent to or interchangeably, they each focus on different aspects of bringing creative projects to life. A producer is typically responsible for the logistical aspects of a project, whereas a working artist would be involved in the actual creation of the artwork, performance, etc. The key distinction between the two lies in where a producer ensures that the artist has viable working conditions and, in contrast, the artist directly generates the content, putting forth ideas, techniques, and skills that give life to the final creation.Sound/recording engineers/podcastStrictly commercial photographers/videographers (e.g. weddings/family portraits/business headshots)Strictly club or mobile DJs hired for private or public events (e.g. weddings, clubs and parties)Religious/worship leaders creating work solely for one congregationArtists creating work solely using artificial intelligence (AI)What types of projects are NOT eligible?
Fundraising eventsCompetitions or award showsPreviously completed activities (no reimbursements)Nonprofit-led projectsArtists may not apply for funds related to an externally produced performance, exhibition, event, or call to artists. From start to end, projects must be led by the applicant (including original concept of project, selection of venue, selection of artist(s), creation of art, disseminating to the public, marketing of the project, etc.)Requests that overlap with the following GCAC funding programs: Project Support, General Support, Operating Support