The ArtsNEXT program, administered by the Ohio Arts Council (OAC), offers competitive funding for innovative and experimental arts projects. These grants aim to support bold ideas that push boundaries, test new methods, and engage participants in novel ways. Eligible projects may pilot new solutions to community challenges, improve program design through risk-taking, or create new works that position Ohio as a dynamic hub for cutting-edge arts experiences.

Applicants can request up to $25,000 in funding, with all awards requiring a one-to-one cash match. Grantees typically receive a portion of their request based on their application score. Eligibility extends to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, nonprofit entities providing arts programming, and educational organizations from pre-kindergarten through university level that demonstrate a commitment to arts programming for the broader community. Projects must reflect significant innovation compared to the organization’s past activities and cannot merely continue or make minor updates to previously funded ArtsNEXT projects.

Funding supports a wide range of project expenses, including artist fees, production costs, marketing, planning, and evaluation. Projects are encouraged to break from routine activities, pilot new programs, experiment with methods, forge partnerships to reach new audiences, or introduce arts offerings rarely available to their communities. Examples include arts-healthcare collaborations, environmentally conscious artmaking, and technology-driven accessibility solutions.

Applications are reviewed by a panel of arts and cultural professionals, with evaluation based on program quality, community engagement, defining and measuring success, and resource management. Key considerations include innovation, diversity of engagement, risk alignment with organizational capacity, and the impact on the organization and its community. Each criterion is scored up to five points, with a maximum of 60 points possible.

The grant lifecycle follows a defined timeline. Applications for FY2026 funding are due March 1, 2025, with awards announced in July 2025. Grantees must complete a grant agreement by August 30, 2025, and submit a final report within 30 days after the project ends. Failure to meet these deadlines can result in grant cancellation and ineligibility for future funding.

Applications must be submitted through the ARTIE system, and new applicants are encouraged to contact their regional program coordinator for guidance. Additional information, including application steps, eligibility requirements, and examples of past funded projects, is available through OAC resources and staff contacts.