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
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.
Young Artists at Work Pop Up Shop
July 31 & August 7
Support our Young Artists at Work Program by visiting the Pop Up Shop at the Toledo Farmer’s Market! The shop features original works of art like watercolors, stickers, embroidery, collage, and more. All funds raised support the continuation of the program.
The Momentum Festival
September 16, 17, 18
Te 2021 Momentum Festival is returning to in-person along the Maumee riverfront. Join us on September 16, 17, and 18 with community partners and friends to enjoy art, music, film, poetry, dance, and more! Started in 2017, Momentum is a three-day festival that celebrates our vibrant community through arts and culture. Generously presented by ProMedica, this year’s festival promises to capture your imagination and encourages curiosity. Do as much or as little as you want–there is something that will spark a little creativity in everyone!
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.
