The Arts Commission
The Arts Commission
The Arts Commission
The Arts Commission
The arts commission strengthens our community, fosters creativity and celebrates life through art.
Who We Are
Since 1959, The Arts Commission has provided quality arts programming and services to the metropolitan Toledo area. The Arts Commission is the longest-standing arts commission in the state of Ohio. Since 1977, The Arts Commission has managed the City of Toledo's One Percent for Art ordinance, the first public art program of its kind in Ohio and the inspiration for the state's own program. The Arts Commission works to build a creative and cultural community in Toledo, inspire vibrancy in our neighborhoods, and to celebrate life through art.
What We Do
The Arts Commission supports, promotes and connects visual, performing, and literary artists, arts organizations and businesses; and administers the City of Toledo’s One Percent for Art ordinance. We take pride in serving and connecting regional artists and the general public to information and opportunities that inspire a creative life. Through innovative programming, public art, artist services, inclusive youth programs, and community events – we aim to inspire a vibrant community in Toledo.
Inspiring a Vibrant Toledo
“The most meaningful part of yaaw was being able to contribute to a struggling community by making it more beautiful.”
Inspired
The Arts Commission advocates to Inspire a Vibrant Community in Toledo. We believe support for artists and creatives in our region is essential to the greater Toledo area's revitalization, sense of place, and commitment to a brighter future. Through collaboration and community conversation we achieve innovative resources and programming that serve Toledo.
Creative
The arts are the heart and soul of our community. By fostering access to arts, creativity, and professional development for all artists and creatives in our area, at all skill levels, and from all walks of life, we encourage a more honest, diverse, and engaging interaction with our city, for residents and guests alike.
Relevant
Our work is vital to helping build a new and better future for our city. From creating a more fertile ground for the arts to grow and develop, to providing access to fun, creativity, and new opportunities, Toledo's art and artists are at the center of driving a sense of community and enriching our neighborhoods, while fostering a creative economy that contributes to our sense of revitalization.
Lucas County Poet Laureate
Now Accepting Nominations
The Lucas County Poet Laureate is a program of Lucas County Commissioners, in partnership with Toledo Lucas County Public Library and The Arts Commission. The Poet Laureate is responsible for promoting the reading, writing, and enjoyment of poetry throughout Lucas County and will undertake one unique and significant project as such during their two-year term. All serious Lucas County writers who are at least 18 years of age, have been a Lucas County resident for one year prior to the nomination deadline, and remain a Lucas County resident through the Poet Laureate term are encouraged to self-nominate, or nominate others. An award of a $5,000 per year honorarium is included. Complete eligibility, requirements, and expectations can be viewed at the link below.
THE ABC'S OF PUBLIC ART BOOK AND FIELD GUIDE
NOW AVAILABLE
As part of continued education efforts The Arts Commission’s Art in Public Places program two new books have been published and are now available for public request and pick up. Both books are available for free to the public as both printed and digital versions. The Art in Public Places Field Guide, designed by Madhouse Creative, features nine zones and over eighty works of art to explore. The ABC’s of Public Art, illustrated by Merrill Rainey, is geared toward ages 3-5 as they follow Artimus the Owl throughout Northwest Ohio from A-Z. This is the second edition of the popular book. Both editions have now been distributed to over 15,000 children in the area.
Call for Artists
Apply by August 12
The Arts Commission invites creative individuals to reimagine the potential of Pilkington float glass toward the creation of projects funded through "Momentum | Intersection", a collaboration of industry, design, and art. To this end, The Arts Commission seeks to provide new partnerships between applications of glass as an artistic medium and manufacturing processes with a call for proposals. This exhibition is a unique opportunity to see the inside workings of the float glass process, gain access to career professionals who make the glass, and integrate this industrial material into new work. This program is part of the Momentum Festival.
Art Box
Download & View Lessons from Toledo Area Artists
There are plenty of prompts to keep you, family, friends, and neighbors busy this winter! Enjoy two editions of booklets and eleven short videos to inspire creativity.
Resources for Artists During COVID 19 Pandemic
A List of Emergency Resources for Creatives
As COVID-19 changes the landscape for many working artists, we have compiled a list of emergency funding and resources.
