The Arts Partnership program, managed by the Ohio Arts Council, provides grants for arts education projects that address the needs of learners and their communities. These two-year awards support initiatives emphasizing in-depth study of the arts, collaborative planning with partners, and adherence to arts education standards. The program is designed to supplement rather than replace existing school programs or extracurricular activities.

Applicants may request up to $25,000, with awards requiring a one-to-one cash match. Eligible applicants include nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, other nonprofit entities offering arts programming, and educational institutions ranging from pre-kindergarten through university level. Projects must prioritize arts learning and align with the organization’s mission while demonstrating innovation and impact. Examples of eligible activities include skill development in the arts, virtual programming, professional development for educators, research into best practices, and expanded access to arts learning.

Arts Partnership grants fund a range of artistic and educational expenses, including program planning and evaluation. Ancillary costs, such as tickets, travel, or production expenses, may only be included if integral to project goals. Funding cannot be used to replace an existing school program. All applications must clearly outline proposed activities, their alignment with project goals, and measurable outcomes.

Applications are evaluated by a panel of arts professionals, educators, and community members based on program quality, community engagement, defining and measuring success, and resource management. Criteria include the quality of the proposed arts learning experiences, intentional community engagement, clear project goals, and effective resource allocation. Each criterion is scored, with a maximum of 60 points available. The OAC Board makes the final funding decisions after reviewing panel recommendations.

The grant cycle spans two years. Applications for the first year are due on February 1 of odd-numbered years, with awards announced in July. Grantees must submit a mid-cycle update by February 1 of the following year, providing a summary of upcoming programming and budget revisions. Grant agreements must be signed by August 30, and final reports are due 30 days after the project end date. Failure to meet reporting deadlines can result in cancellation of funding and a five-year ineligibility for OAC grants.

Applications must be submitted through the ARTIE system. Resources, including guidelines and application instructions, are available through the Ohio Arts Council website. For further assistance, applicants can contact the OAC’s Arts Learning Coordinator. This program offers a significant opportunity to enhance arts education and foster meaningful connections between learners, educators, and their communities.