The Arts Commission
The Arts Commission
The Arts Commission
The Arts Commission
In response to COVID-19, The Arts Commission staff will be working remotely until further notice. We're doing our part to be safe and "flatten the curve." While you won't be able to visit us at the office, the team remains on the job and working as hard as ever. Should you need to contact one of us, please visit our Staff Directory.
During this time, we remain focused on working on our events, programs and services. When this passes, and it will, we look forward to joining together to celebrate life through art.
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.
Merit Awards 2020
Applications Now Open
We're happy to announce that applications are now open for our annual Merit Awards! These awards recognize outstanding local literary, performing, and visual artists for their dedication to their practice and advancement in their field. Four awards will be granted - one $2500 award, two $1000 awards and one $500 award. The deadline is November 16.
Request for Qualifications
The Chop House Atrium Project
Art in Public Places, a City of Toledo program administered by The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, in coordination with ProMedica Health Systems and The Chop House invites qualified artists and/or artist teams to submit qualifications for The Chop House Atrium project. Interested applicants will demonstrate interest, knowledge, range, skills and availability to design a contemporary work that is airy, bright, whimsical, and is visually interesting from every level of the atrium. Submissions will be accepted until November 10, 2020.
Momentum
Create Your Festival
Momentum is shifting to a combination of virtual and discoverable elements to safely engage attendees in arts and culture experiences in response to COVID-19 and restricted public gathering. Momentum activity will kick off on September 17 online and in downtown Toledo and continue through mid-October.
2020 Exhibition
Part of Momentum Virtual Content
The 2020 exhibition highlights the work of twelve artists. Ranging from traditional practices to mixed media and installation each artist showcases their expertise of material, technique, and conceptual prowess. The selection panel includes Lauren Applebaum, Ph.D. (Toledo, OH), Jova Lynne (Detroit, MI), and Alex Paik (Brooklyn, NY). Exhibiting artists include Deb Davis, Brent Dedas, Lauren Fowler, Beth Genson, Lindsay Haynes, Natalie Lanese, Loraine Lynn, Tom Marino, Katrina Niswander, Deborah Orloff, Mike Osborne, & Tim Stover.
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.
