OHIO ARTISTS ON TOUR FOR ARTISTS

Application Deadline: June 1

• Who May Apply
• How to Apply
• Review Criteria

WHAT THE PROGRAM SUPPORTS

The Ohio Arts Council strongly believes Ohio arts organizations should support the artistic endeavors of Ohio artists. This service is designed to introduce presenters to the wealth of artists in Ohio who are available for touring. Individual performing artists and groups that apply and are selected by the OAC's Artist Review Panel are listed in the Ohio Artists on Tour Directory. Artists in the directory do not receive funds directly from the OAC. Organizational presenting applicants should refer to the Ohio Artist on Tour Fee Support--For Presenters section for information about the benefits for presenters who book Ohio artists.

Planning, negotiating and contracting for artists on the Ohio Artists on Tour Directory are the same as those for any engagement. Sometimes presenters who are interested in a specific artist determine that the artist is in the OAC directory. Other times presenters use the Directory to find new artists. The artist or artist representative is expected to provide an effective marketing plan to maximize touring possibilities and should not rely solely on the Ohio Artists on Tour Directory to promote his or her work.

WHO MAY APPLY

Individual artists must be residents of Ohio. Groups must consist of a majority of Ohio residents. Documentation of Ohio residency is a required part of the support materials. An artist must remain an Ohio resident to continue as a member of the program.

This program is for professional artists and groups that have a solid history of touring. College and university student organizations and groups whose members are primarily students are not eligible. Artists or ensembles do not need to be incorporated as nonprofit enterprises to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

Artists interested in becoming members of the Ohio Artists on Tour Directory apply to the OAC using the application via the OAC's Web site, www.oac.state.oh.us/grantsprogs/forms.asp.

Applications
All applications to the Ohio Artists on Tour program must be submitted via the OAC OnLine Grant Application system (OLGA). No paper applications are accepted.

Artists applying for an Ohio Artists on Tour grant are encouraged to notify the Office of Organizational Services and Community Development regional program coordinators of their intent to apply. All applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a draft application no later than 30 days before the final deadline date. To submit a draft application, follow the instructions on the final page of the online application.

Applicants must submit their application electronically via OLGA by 5 p.m. by the final deadline date. If a deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday or state holiday, the deadline will be extended until the next business day. If the application is not submitted electronically, the application will not be accepted. Applicants will be notified via e-mail when their application is received.

Support Materials
Three sets of required support materials and signature page must be received in the OAC offices within seven calendar days of the deadline date. If support materials do not reach the OAC within this timeframe, the application will not be accepted.

If any of the required support materials are not available, include an explanation in each packet as to why it is unavailable. Artists must send the required audio-video materials.

The OAC requires:

• Checklist of all included materials;
• Copy of performance contract;
• Sample review of past performances - less than three years old and no more than three examples;
• Description of residency and/or outreach activities;
• Current press and promotional materials, including but not limited to:
• photo
• sample programs
• artwork that can be used for flyers, posters and advertising
• artist bios
• sample press releases and public service announcements
• brochure
• One set of audio or video materials less than two years old. The audio visual screening notes must be included. Screening Notes Failure to provide the required audio or video materials will result in automatic rejection of your application. Recordings will be returned if you include a self-addressed mailer with appropriate postage.
• Documentation of Ohio residency. For individual artists or for a group up to eight performers, each person should supply one of these forms of documentation:
• photocopy of an Ohio driver's license or other valid state ID. Do not include your social security number when submitting identification;
• photocopy of a lease, rental agreement or mortgage;
• for groups of eight or more members, either a notarized statement signed by all members verifying Ohio as their primary state of residence or a copy of a Certificate of Incorporation for the group issued by the Ohio Secretary of State.
• For groups of more than eight members, either a notarized statement signed by all members verifying Ohio as their primary state of residence or a copy of a Certificate of Incorporation for the group issued by the Ohio Secretary of State.

Review Criteria
Applications are reviewed by the OAC Artist Review Panel, a group of artists and presenters appointed by the OAC Board. Applicants are reviewed on the following criteria:

• Artistic quality
• Management and ability to work with presenters
• Quality of promotional materials

PDF of Appendix A: Legal Requirements (67K)

PDF of Regional Map (88K) with county breakdown and staff contact information
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