Legal Grant & Lawyer Referral Program

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.
GCAC recognizes that artists confront a range of legal matters critical to their career sustainability and the protection of their creative works. In 2026, GCAC is offering a grant to assist with some legal expenses related to an artist’s art practice and art business. In addition, GCAC established a Lawyer Referral Service with attorneys who guarantee to provide our legal program grantees a flat fee of $300 per eligible legal service.
Purpose:

• Assist artists with protecting their artwork and art business.
• 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:

• $300 to pay an attorney for eligible services

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;Focused on expressing their own creative and aesthetic ideas, rather than on documentation or journalism.Residency in Franklin County 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: Due to limited funding, applicants from bordering counties (those residing outside of Franklin County) are no longer eligible to apply.Are NOT enrolled as degree-seeking undergraduate students.Eligible ExpensesGCAC Legal Grant expenses are limited to those concerns related to an artist’s art practice and art business:Assistance with the creation of a business entityFor example, an LLC entityContract reviewLease reviewTrademark renewal and general guidance

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)