Funds for Artists Grant

The Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) offers the 'Funds for Artists' program to support individual artists in various disciplines, including dance, music, and visual arts. This grant assists with costs for materials, professional development, and marketing, providing up to $750. Eligible applicants must be working artists, residents of Franklin County, and over 18 years old. Notably, those enrolled in undergraduate programs or residing outside Franklin County are not eligible. The initiative aims to foster new artistic creations and enhance skills.

About GCAC
The Greater Columbus Arts Council supports artists and arts organizations through a spectrum of grant programs, workshops, networking events and services. GCAC also shares a host of resources such as calls for artists, job opportunities, nonprofit board openings and listings of spaces for rent. Subscribe to our newsletters to stay up-to-date on GCAC grant deadlines, workshops and events.
This program is designed to assist working artists with the cost of materials, supplies, and resources used to create new work; professional development or learning opportunities; or marketing or promotional expenses. This program is not open to the following: event producers, music producers, movie producers, teachers not creating their own artwork or students enrolled in an undergraduate degree program—see eligibility section for more details.
Purpose:

• Assist artists with making new art, growing artistic skills and marketing to a broader audience.
• This Grant is open to:

Individuals who work in the following disciplines: dance, fashion, film, literary, music, theater, visual and multidisciplinary arts who meet GCAC’s definition of a working artist.
Award Amount:

• Up to $750

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 Franklin County for at least one year prior to application; ORApplicant agrees to remain a resident of Franklin County for one year after the award date.Are NOT enrolled as degree-seeking undergraduate students.Funds may be requested for the cost of supplies, materials and resources to help you make new work; to attend a professional development or learning opportunity; and/or for expenses that assist with the marketing or promotion of you as an artist or your artwork.

Ineligibility

Updated for 2026: Due to limited funding, applicants from bordering counties (those residing outside of Franklin County) are no longer eligible to apply. 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)Example expenses that are NOT eligible (list is not comprehensive):
Smartphones, televisions, furniture or home upgradesMarketing or promotion for a business other than your personal art businessYour own artist fees (paying yourself or living expenses)Previously purchased services, products, materials or resources (no reimbursements)Nonprofit-led projects or programs (requests must be for the applying artist)Supplies for youth/students or education-based projects (requests must be for the applying artist)