The 2024 Merit Awards, administered by The Arts Commission, are designed to recognize exceptional work created by established artists in the Toledo, Ohio, area over the past five years. The program offers four awards: $3,000, $2,500, $2,000, and $1,500, to help artists advance their artistic practices. These awards are open to artists working in the literary, performing, or visual arts, and aim to celebrate and support local talent.

Eligible applicants must have maintained either a creative studio or residence within 30 miles of downtown Toledo for at least two consecutive years. Artists who are currently employed by The Arts Commission or serve on its Board of Trustees are not eligible. Additionally, previous Merit Award recipients must wait three years before reapplying, and artists who receive a Merit Award in 2024 will not be eligible for an Accelerator Grant until 2026.

Applications must be submitted via the Good Grants platform by 11:59 p.m. (EST) on November 3, 2024. Each application requires a digital portfolio, including an artist resume, a 300-word statement, a 150-word bio, a work sample description (200-350 words), and work samples created within the past five years. Work samples may include images, videos, audio, or written materials, depending on the applicant’s discipline, and should adhere to the specified format guidelines.

The review process involves a panel of artists and cultural leaders from other Midwest communities, evaluating applications based on criteria such as technique, quality of work samples, contextual clarity in the artist’s statement, dedication to their craft, and originality. The panel's recommendations will be reviewed by The Arts Commission, with award announcements expected in December 2024.

Grant recipients will receive their funds in December 2024, and the awarded amount must be used within six months for expenses related to advancing their artistic work. Final reports documenting the use of the funds are due by July 10, 2025. For more information or assistance, applicants can contact the Artist Subgranting Coordinator, Liz Bayan, at the provided contact details.