Strengthening investment and engagement in the arts FOR ARTISTS.

The Ohio Arts Council seeks to be a resource for the many talented artists residing and working in our state. Through its Individual Excellence Awards, Traditional Arts Apprenticeship, and Artists with Disabilities Access Program grants, the OAC honors artistic achievement and promotes creative collaboration that transcends generational and cultural boundaries.

In addition to these funding programs, Ohio artists are further recognized and appreciated through the Ohio Poet Laureate and Spotlight: Featured Artists at the Governor's Residence programs, as well as the annual selection of Heritage Fellowship Award recipients. Check this page often to keep up-to-date with other opportunities currently available to individual artists.

Quick Links

Percent for Art Program and Call for Entry Announcements

Create an Individual Artist Login to receive updates about the OAC's calls-for-entry.

Individual Excellence Award

The Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award deadline is September 1, 2020, at 5 p.m.

For the deadline this year, we will be accepting applications in the following disciplines: crafts, interdisciplinary, media arts, design arts, visual art 2D, visual art 3D, and photography. One application is accepted per applicant. To read the full program guidelines, click on the button below:

Read the Application Guidelines

FY 21 Individual Excellence Awards Panelist Bios