What does OAC mean in COUNCIL

The Ohio Arts Council (OAC) is a state agency that supports public engagement with the arts in Ohio. It funds exemplary, innovative and thought-provoking projects and provides access to arts education and experiences for all Ohioans.

The OAC invests in a variety of ways to support vibrant arts and culture in Ohio. This includes providing grants for individual artists, nonprofit organizations and municipal entities; administering an artist fellowship program; supporting art exhibitions and performances at museums, galleries, theaters and other cultural venues; subsidizing field trips to enrich students' educational experiences; offering professional development opportunities; and providing funding for unique creative projects.

You must first create an account on the OAC's online application system. From there you can review current opportunities, eligibility requirements, deadlines, instructions and other details related to each grant offering before beginning your application process.

Eligibility requirements vary depending on which type of grant you are applying for, but generally speaking any individual artist or non-profit organization in Ohio who has been active within their field for one year prior the application deadline may be eligible.

Each year the OAC awards over $10 million in competitive grants across its various programs ranging from $500 up to $100,000 or more depending on the project scope and scale.

Deadlines vary based on each grant's program guidelines so applicants should check those carefully before submitting an application. Most applications are due between mid-January through mid-May with some having slightly longer timelines or shorter deadlines depending on availability of funds or other criteria set by specific grant offerings.

Once applications have been received they will be reviewed by staff members who will make recommendations to the appropriate governing board during their regularly scheduled meetings which occur every other month throughout most of the year (ending between August & October). Decisions about funding occur shortly thereafter so applicants should expect to hear back within 3-4 months of submission unless additional information is required during the review process which could extend timelines further.

Yes! The Creative Learning Program offers interactive workshops that provide engaging learning experiences for K12 students across a variety of visual arts disciplines as well as music, dance/theater & literary activities such as storytelling/poetry slams! Additionally there are professional development courses designed specifically to help teachers hone their craft & better prepare them to teach art-making techniques & concepts inside & outside their classrooms.