The Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) offers the 2025 Artist Projects grant to support the creation of original, artist-led projects across all artistic disciplines. This program funds individual artists and groups of artists to bring creative visions to life, emphasizing public engagement and cultural value. GCAC is a nonprofit organization that supports the arts community in Columbus, Ohio, through grantmaking, partnerships, and resources. The council receives funding from the City of Columbus, Franklin County, the Ohio Arts Council, and other partners.

The 2025 Artist Projects grant offers awards of up to $10,000 to artists of all disciplines, with up to 10 filmmakers eligible for grants of up to $25,000. Projects must take place in Franklin County and provide clear artistic, community, and cultural value to the general public. Awarded projects must also compensate participating artists and demonstrate alignment with GCAC’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statement. This is a competitive, scored grant reviewed through GCAC’s community grantmaking process, with final approvals made by the GCAC Board of Trustees.

Eligible applicants must be working artists, aged 18 or older, working in disciplines such as dance, fashion, film, literary arts, music, theatre, visual arts, or multidisciplinary arts. Artists must have a demonstrated portfolio, be compensated for their work, and actively share their art with the public. Applicants must have lived in Franklin County (or a bordering county with work focused in Columbus) for at least one year prior to applying and agree to remain a resident of central Ohio for one year after receiving funding. Undergraduate degree-seeking students are not eligible. Also excluded are influencers, culinary artists, body artists, producers, commercial photographers, mobile DJs, worship leaders, and AI-generated artists.

The program accepts applications in two rounds each year. In 2025, Round 1 opens on February 24, 2025, and closes on March 28, 2025, with award notifications by May 30, 2025. Projects from Round 1 may begin as early as June 1, 2025, and must be completed by July 31, 2026. Round 2 opens on July 24, 2025, and closes on August 28, 2025, with notifications by October 31, 2025. Projects from Round 2 may start no earlier than November 1, 2025, and must conclude by December 31, 2026. Final reports are due 30 days after project completion.

Applicants must complete narrative questions describing the project’s concept, timeline, community engagement, innovation, and public presentation plans. Supporting documents include a resume, artistic work samples, and an itemized project budget. GCAC offers resources to assist with applications, including workshops, online guides, and one-on-one assistance from GCAC Navigators. Artists with disabilities can also receive help from Art Possible Ohio. Applications are submitted online through GCAC’s SmartSimple portal, and awards are distributed following contract signing.

For further questions, applicants can contact Khaila Carr at kcarr@gcac.org. The GCAC office is located at 182 E. Long St., Columbus, OH 43215, and artists may reserve a computer at the office if needed by emailing grants@gcac.org.