The Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) offers the 2025 Funds for Artists grant to support individual artists in the central Ohio region. This grant program helps artists create new work, develop professional skills, promote their work to broader audiences, and safeguard their creative careers through eligible legal expenses. GCAC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting artists and arts organizations in Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, with funding from the City of Columbus, Franklin County Board of Commissioners, and the Ohio Arts Council. The program specifically supports artists working in dance, fashion, film, literary arts, music, theatre, visual arts, and multidisciplinary arts.

The Funds for Artists program provides grants of up to $1,200 per applicant. The funding may cover expenses such as materials and supplies, professional development opportunities, marketing and promotional efforts, legal expenses directly related to the artist's work, and costs associated with creating, exhibiting, or performing artwork. Applicants can also use funds for public presentation expenses, including venue rental and production costs. New for 2025, GCAC offers a Lawyer Referral Service to connect grantees with attorneys at reduced rates for select legal services.

To be eligible, applicants must be working artists at least 18 years old who reside in Franklin County or a bordering county, with at least one year of residency before applying. Applicants must also either work primarily in Columbus or exhibit, perform, or present their work there. They must have a demonstrated body of work, regularly share their work with the public, and not be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. Certain creative professionals, such as producers, influencers, and commercial photographers, are ineligible. Culinary artists, body artists, worship leaders, and AI-generated art are also excluded.

Applications are reviewed for eligibility and completeness, with notifications sent within 30 days of submission. The first application window opens on February 3, 2025, and closes on April 30, 2025. The second window opens on June 9, 2025, and closes on October 31, 2025. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis during these windows, and applicants will receive funding decisions within 30 days of submission. A final report is due nine months after the award date.

Applicants must submit a detailed expense plan, narrative answers describing how funds will support their work and career growth, and evidence of their artistic work history. Required materials include an artist resume or bio, up to five artistic work samples, and documentation of any travel-related opportunities. Virtual workshops and assistance are available through GCAC and Art Possible Ohio for artists with disabilities. After being awarded, grantees must sign a contract, meet publicity requirements, and adhere to final reporting deadlines.

For questions, applicants can contact Ariel Peguero at apeguero@gcac.org. Additional assistance is available through GCAC Navigators, and artists needing accommodations can contact Lori Eposito at Art Possible Ohio at granthelp@artpossibleohio.org. The GCAC office, located at 182 E. Long St., Columbus, OH 43215, also provides access to a computer lab for application completion by appointment.