public artwork

Artist Opportunities

We are here to help

Overview

The Arts Commission takes pride in serving and connecting local artists through funding, services, and a variety of platforms to share artwork. On this page, we have compiled opportunities for area artists of all ages and skill levels to further their education, advance their skill sets, connect with other creatives, and get involved in the community.

Support System

The Arts Commission offers tools, services, and consultation to those seeking a creative life in Toledo. From connecting with other artists to accessing educational or professional development workshops to finding venues to exhibit and sell artwork, we are here to help.

The Arts Commission offers tools, services, and consultation to those seeking a creative life in Toledo.

Employment Opportunities

Americans for the Arts
Job Bank With Listings

American for the Arts is the national advocacy group for the National Endowment for the Arts. They feature a job bank on their site with listings of arts administration-related positions available across the nation.

Search the Job Bank
Toledo Museum of Art
Ongoing Opportunities at Toledo Museum of Art

The Toledo Museum of Art has several positions available, from administrative and specialty to maintenance and service staff. For up to date listings and information about individual postings, click below. 

VIEW JOBS
American Frame
Ongoing Opportunities at American Frame

American Frame has several positions available. For up to date listings and information about individual postings, click below. 

LEARN MORE
Toledo Lucas County Public Library
Career Opportunities at The Toledo Lucas County Public Library

MULTIPLE POSITIONS OPEN

The origin of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library dates back to 1838, making it the first public library funded by tax dollars in the state of Ohio. In 1970, three Library systems merged to form the current countywide Toledo-Lucas County Public Library. In subsequent years, the logic of that merger has been demonstrated repeatedly in improved service, increased usage, and more effective use of tax funds. The system now claims a Main Library with 19 neighborhood branch locations and one of the oldest bookmobile services in the country.

Various positions throughout the library system are posted at the link below. Click to browse opportunities, view application deadlines, and apply.

BROWSE POSITIONS

Grants and Funding

Ohio Arts Council
ArtsRISE

ArtsRISE: The Ohio Arts Council strives to support the arts in all communities and is dedicated to investing in historically underrepresented populations and groups. ArtsRISE is designed to support organizations working to expand access to their activities to more diverse participants, address equity and inclusion in program design, present arts programming of culturally specific or ethnic organizations, and support meaningful engagement with other constituent groups including (but not limited to) the BIPOC community, people with disabilities, older adults, Appalachian and rural communities, lower-income communities, LGBTQ+ communities, veterans, and justice-impacted citizens. 

Deadline: Open now; applications reviewed and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until November 30, 2023 | Learn More

Contact: View the Organizational Programs Region Map to determine the coordinator for your county.

OAC Website
Rbhu Engineering
Rbhu Gives Back

To our Community, Art Makers, and Enthusiasts,

The impact of art on our world is profound. It kindles our imagination, shaping how we engage with the world and daring us to exceed boundaries. At Rbhu, we firmly believe that monumental sculptures possess the potential to fuel creativity, nurture innovation, and facilitate self-expression. We also recognize the importance of bridging financial gaps to amplify diverse artistic voices. Therefore, we are thrilled to announce the launch of the 2023 Rbhu Gives Back grants—an initiative that aims to assist artists in need by providing $12,000 worth of complimentary engineering services.
 

Please apply here by October 16, 2023

Apply Online
The Arts Commission, Lucas County, City of Toledo
Toledo-Lucas County Rescue Plan Grants

Toledo-Lucas County Rescue Plan Grants for Arts Organizations and Individual Artists

NOTICE: DEADLINE EXTENSION FOR INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS - APPLY BY AUGUST 21

The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, along with the Lucas County Commissioners and the City of Toledo, is pleased to launch the second cycle of Toledo-Lucas County Rescue Plan Grants for arts organizations and artists on Wednesday, July 5, 2023. 

In light of the negative economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Arts Commission worked with the Toledo Area Cultural Leaders to advocate for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the arts and culture sector in Lucas County and Toledo. As originally announced in October 2022, the Lucas County Board of Commissioners, Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz and Toledo City Council allocated a total of $6 million in ARPA funding to support a multi-year grant program. Nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and individual artists in Lucas County and Toledo may be eligible for these funds. The program is being administered by The Arts Commission.

Applicants will be notified of their status in October, 2023. The program will provide multi-year funding, ending no later than December 2026.

NON-PROFIT ARTS ORGANIZATIONS - Applications are now CLOSED for Arts Organizations

INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS - DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO AUGUST 21, 11:59PM - Click here for more information, grant guidelines, and the application link.

The Arts Commission
Accelerator Grants

Accelerator Grant Program 2023

Grant Guidelines - CLICK HERE

Apply Online - CLICK HERE

The Arts Commission values the many artists across disciplines who are part of Toledo's vibrant creative community. The Accelerator Grant is a competitive program offering financial support with a quick turnaround for local artists to advance their creative projects and their careers. Eligible categories of support for this program include equipment, supplies, professional development, and project support. Grant amounts are not to exceed $1500.

2023 Accelerator Grant Cycles

The 2023 Accelerator Grant Program schedule is as follows:

Cycle 1 opens April 25. Application deadline: May 22

Cycle 2 opens May 23. Application deadline: June 26

Cycle 3 opens June 27. Application deadline: July 24

Cycle 4 opens July 25. Application deadline: August 28 

Cycle 5 opens August 29. Application deadline: September 26

Applicants are encouraged to apply to all cycles until they receive a grant award.

Contact Information

For all inquiries about Accelerator Grants, please contact Andrea Price, Artist Services Manager, at APrice@theartscommission.org.

Learn More
Ohio Arts Council
Artists with Disabilities Access Program

The Artists with Disabilities Access Program (ADAP) provides funding that gives individual artists with disabilities – and organizations that serve them – the resources they need to further their artistic development. Creative expression by artists of all abilities is essential to building dynamic and diverse communities throughout Ohio, and developing an artistic career is a long-term process. ADAP awards help artists with disabilities advance their artistic practices, making Ohio a more accessible and inclusive place to build an artistic career.

Grant Awards

Grants are awarded to individual artists at both the emerging artist level ($500) and professional artist level ($1,000), with no match required. Organizational applicants may request between $1,000 and $3,000, a 1:1 cash match is required.

Note: For the purposes of the ADAP program, emerging artists are individuals who have consistently worked in their chosen art form for more than three years, have demonstrated strong artistic potential, and want to develop their careers. Professional artists are individuals who devote a major portion of their time to creating, practicing, performing, or teaching any of the arts.

Eligibility

All applying artists must:

  • Be an Ohio resident (the OAC defines an Ohio resident as someone who spends at least eight months of the year living and working in Ohio), and, if awarded funding, remain a resident during the grant period

  • Have exhibited, performed, or published work as an artist within the past five years

  • Have a disability (per Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) guidelines)

  • Not be a student enrolled in any degree- or certificate-granting program

Both creative and performing artists who have a disability and are residents of Ohio may apply to this program. The OAC uses the definition of disability contained in Sec. 12102 of the ADA, as amended by the ADA.

Amendments Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-325), which went into effect on January 1, 2009. This act is available online: ada.gov/pubs/ada.htm.

All applying organizations must be based in Ohio, serve Ohio artists, and possess nonprofit status or nonprofit intent. Applicants need not be registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Application Deadlines

June 1 annually (for activities taking place July 15—next June 30) and, if program funds are not expended, December 1 annually (for activities taking place January 15—June 30)

Staff Contacts

Brianna Dance
Organizational Investment Coordinator
for organizations in the Eastern Region
brianna.dance@oac.ohio.gov
614-728-4427

Jim Szekacs
Organizational Investment Coordinator
for organizations in the Western Region, and
Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Lorain
counties
jim.szekacs@oac.ohio.gov
614-728-4449

Learn More
Artists with Disabilities Access Program
ADAP Funding

The Artists with Disabilities Access Program (ADAP) provides funding that gives individual artists with disabilities – and organizations that serve them – the resources they need to further their artistic development. Creative expression by artists of all abilities is essential to building dynamic and diverse communities throughout Ohio, and developing an artistic career is a long-term process. ADAP awards help artists with disabilities advance their artistic practices, making Ohio a more accessible and inclusive place to build an artistic career.

GRANT AWARDS: Grants are awarded to individual artists at both the emerging artist level ($500) and professional artist level ($1,000), with no match required. Organizational applicants may request between $1,000 and $3,000, a 1:1 cash match is required.

NOTE: For the purposes of the ADAP program, emerging artists are individuals who have consistently worked in their chosen art form for more than three years, have demonstrated strong artistic potential, and want to develop their careers. Professional artists are individuals who devote a major portion of their time to creating, practicing, performing, or teaching any of the arts.

ELIGIBILITY: All applying artists must:

  • Be an Ohio resident (the OAC defines an Ohio resident as someone who spends at least eight months of the
    year living and working in Ohio), and, if awarded funding, remain a resident during the grant period

  • Have exhibited, performed, or published work as an artist within the past five years

  • Have a disability (per Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) guidelines)

  • Not be a student enrolled in any degree- or certificate-granting program


Both creative and performing artists who have a disability and are residents of Ohio may apply to this
program. The OAC uses the definition of disability contained in Sec. 12102 of the ADA, as amended by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-325), which went into effect on January 1, 2009. This act is available online: ada.gov/pubs/ada.htm.

All applying organizations must be based in Ohio, serve Ohio artists, and possess nonprofit status or nonprofit intent. Applicants need not be registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

APPLICATION DEADLINES: June 1 annually (for activities taking place July 15—next June 30) and, if program funds are not expended, December 1 annually (for activities taking place January 15—June 30)

STAFF CONTACTS
Brianna Dance
Organizational Investment Coordinator
for organizations in the Eastern Region
brianna.dance@oac.ohio.gov
614-728-4427

Jim Szekacs
Organizational Investment Coordinator
for organizations in the Western Region, and
Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Lorain
counties
jim.szekacs@oac.ohio.gov
614-728-4449

LEARN MORE
Ohio Folk and Traditional Arts
Awards and Grant Opportunities

APPLICATION DEADLINE MARCH 15 ANNUALLY

APPLY

The Ohio Arts Council is excited to share two opportunities aimed at supporting and celebrating Ohio's folk and traditional artists.

The Traditional Arts Apprenticeship program provides awards that allow dedicated apprentices to follow a time-honored method to develop skills in valued art forms. Apprentices and traditional arts masters should submit a joint application.

Master artists may request up to $4,000 to work with one, and if appropriate, two, apprentices. At least 50 percent of the request must be used for master artist honoraria. No match is required.

Application Deadline: March 15 annually

Application Draft Deadline (for feedback prior to submission): March 1 annually

NOMINATE

The Ohio Heritage Fellowship program recognizes and supports Ohio folk and traditional artists who are the most influential masters of their particular traditions and whose work in the folk and traditional arts has had a significant impact on their communities.

Each year, the Ohio Arts Council will award one Ohio Heritage Fellowship to an individual or group whose work in the folk arts has had a significant impact on the people and communities of the state. The folk and traditional arts grow out of particular cultures and are recognized as the artistic expressions of ethnic, linguistic, occupational or regional groups. The recipient will receive a commemorative plaque plus a $5,000 award at a public award ceremony.

Nomination Deadline: March 15 annually

LEARN MORE
City of Toledo
Facade Improvement Grant Program

CITY OF TOLEDO FIG PROGRAM INCLUDES NON-COMMERCIAL MURALS

The Facade Improvement Grant (FIG) program helps property owners transform the facade of commercial, industrial, and mixed-use buildings located in low-to-moderate income census tracts by providing a 50% matching grant to reimburse expenses incurred during a comprehensive facade improvement. The minimum grant amount is $10,000 and the maximum grant amount is $40,000.

The FIG program is funded by Federal Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”) dollars. Therefore, grant funds are subject to federal requirements. The program is subject to a two-year period of compliance, reporting, and annual inspection by the City of Toledo. The grant is collateralized by a promissory note that is secured by a mortgage on the property for two years. Applications will be processed in the order they are received and grants will be awarded as funding is available.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants:

Eligible applicants, whether individual or entity, meet the following criteria:

  • *Applicant owns the building for which they are applying

  • Applicant is in good standing with governmental entities (i.e. current on income tax, property tax, utilities, code violations, fees).

*If the applicant does not own the building for which they are applying but does have the building under contract, the applicant is eligible to apply for the grant. However, grants will not be awarded until the applicant owns the building for which they are applying.

Eligible Buildings

Eligible buildings must:


A building's eligibility is determined by use, not zoning.

Eligible buildings include:

  • Commercial use (non-residential)

  • Industrial use

  • Mixed-use (integrated commercial and residential uses)

A building is ineligible to receive the grant if it contains businesses in the following industries:

  • Payday loan businesses

  • Liquor and tobacco stores

  • Pawn shops

  • Firearm or other weapons dealers

  • Adult entertainment

  • Passive real estate investments

Buildings with vacancies are required to provide a marketing plan that demonstrates their intention to actively market the property for commercial, industrial, or mixed-uses, a letter of intent from a business to occupy the space, or a statement of self-occupancy by the building owner. Buildings with an exclusively single-family residential or multi-family residential use are not eligible. A building may not receive more than one Facade Improvement Grant in its lifetime.

Eligible Expenses

The Facade Improvement Grant provides funding for a comprehensive enhancement to a building's facade. A facade is defined as the side of a building that faces a public street and contains a customer or primary entrance. Eligible projects include replacement, repair, or addition of at least two of the expenses below.

Eligible expenses include:

  • Building facing materials

  • Windows

  • Doors

  • Gutters and down spouts

  • Stairs

  • Ramps

  • Sidewalks

  • Permanent deck

  • Permanent patio

  • Exterior lighting (including lighting directed on the building, but not attached to it)

  • Exterior painting

  • Awnings

  • Canopies

  • Non-commercial artist mural approved by The Arts Commission

  • Walk-up service window

  • Permanent patio or deck

  • Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) assessment recommendations for the building facade.

  • Roofing expenses are eligible, but non-reimbursable expenses, which are applicable toward an applicant's match amount and must be accompanied by at least two of the expenses listed above to be eligible for the FIG.

Ineligible expenses include:

  • Paving

  • Landscaping

  • Fencing

  • Sidewalks located on public property

All enhancements must be located on private property and comply with zoning and building codes to be eligible for the Facade Improvement Grant. Any eligible expense incurred prior to the execution of the Facade Improvement Grant Agreement, or work performed without required permits, is ineligible.

A minimum of three quotes is required for each eligible expense, listed as a separate line item. Quotes must confirm adherence to Davis Bacon requirements, be on contractor letterhead, have individual line items for each eligible expense, and clearly identify the scope of work and estimated cost. Contractors shall have required licensing, bond, and insurance, and all work shall be performed according to applicable codes (i.e. Ohio Revised Code and Toledo Municipal Code).

Projects shall be completed within 12 months of the Effective Date of the Facade Improvement Grant Agreement.

Lean More

Call for Artist

20 North Gallery
"ARToledo" Emerging Artist Exhibit

Since its founding in 1993, 20 North Gallery has periodically hosted emerging artists exhibits, promoting the development of promising new talent in the Toledo art landscape. Previously installed in 1994, 2008, 2011 and 2018, ARToledo is a small-group exhibition of 3-5 artists which provides the opportunity to nurture and retain Toledo’s rising artistic talent, giving new artists a chance to enter the commercial art market in their home community, surrounded and supported by the work of established artists—while providing Toledo collectors the opportunity for a first view of the future of Toledo’s rich, continuing art legacy.

Applications for the 2024 ARToledo will be accepted through December 16, 2023, 5 p.m. (EST). Artist notification will be sent on January 26, 2024.

Designed as a competitive show, the ARToledo exhibition is open to Ohio and Toledo-area artists who have prepared a body of work, but who have not yet been a featured artist in any commercial gallery venues prior to the ARToledo exhibit. For a $20 non-refundable application fee, each artist may submit up to 5, but no fewer than 4 completed, gallery-ready artworks. Artist eligibility information, the full exhibit prospectus and application form are available at 20northgallery.com. Submissions of completed ARToledo application forms will be accepted digitally.

The exhibiting artists of the 2024 ARToledo will be juried by award-winning painter and arts instructor, Aaron Pickens (alumnus of Toledo School for the Arts and Bowling Green State University).

The upcoming ARToledo exhibit will be on view April 19 – June 22, 2024.

Learn More
Nuestra Gente
Barrio Latino Art Festival - Call to Artists

CALL TO ARTISTS

Are you looking to participate in a Festival? Do you create small artwork but don't know what do with it? Are you looking for a way to display and sell it?

Barrio Latino Art Festival is creating an open call to all artists that create on a small scale to be displayed. Creatives in any medium are invited to produce and offer images, poems, musical compositions, etc. Mediums accepted are jewelry, cards, scarves, small framed art, and more.

We cordially invite you to the 12th Annual Barrio Latino Art Festival, to be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 1:00 am at 1411 Broadway St., Toledo, OH, 43609.

Artists from all parts of the world are welcome! Each year we recognize an artist for their work on behalf of the arts and the community.

This is a continuous call with no deadline. No fee to participate. Artists can bring their own tables and canopy to set up their booth. We will have a table available for those that don't have any.

For more information, call Nuestra Gente: 567-702-0040 or Delfina: 419-699-4701.

Thank you!

Event Facebook Page
U.S. General Services Administration
Art in Architecture Program

The Art in Architecture Program oversees the commissioning of artworks for federal buildings nationwide. These artworks enhance the civic meaning of federal architecture and showcase the vibrancy of American visual arts. Together, the art and architecture of federal buildings create a lasting cultural legacy for the people of the United States.

Selection

We reserve 0.5% of the estimated construction cost of each new federal building or modernization for an Art in Architecture commission — a contractual agreement with an artist to create a site-specific artwork as part of the building project. For each new project, a panel of art professionals, the primary federal client representative, civic and community representatives, the project’s lead design architect, and our staff meet to discuss opportunities for artists to participate in the building project.

The panel reviews a diverse pool of artist candidates, drawn from the National Artist Registry and SAM.gov solicitation responses, and nominates finalists for us to evaluate. Artists who receive federal commissions work with the project architects and others as members of a design team to ensure that the artworks are meaningfully integrated into the overall project. We initiate about five commissions each year.

Commission timeframe

We commission large-scale, permanently installed artworks for federal building projects nationwide. These Art in Architecture commissions typically require a commitment of approximately three to five years, starting with our award of the project artist's contract and ending when the completed artwork is installed.

Art in Architecture contract schedules are based on the design and construction schedule of the associated building project. This allows the commissioned artwork to be developed in conjunction with the architectural design of the building and installed at the appropriate moment in the overall project schedule.

Art in Architecture Policies and Procedures Aug 2022 [PDF - 215 KB]

Who is eligible

Who is eligible for an Art in Architecture commission:  American artists who are citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States.

To be considered for:

  • All new commissions for the next ten years, join the National Artist Registry.

  • One commission at a time, respond to the solicitation announced in SAM.gov.

Learn More
The Arts Commission
Momentum Festival Call to Artists - Exhibitions

MOMENTUM FESTIVAL | CALL TO ARTISTS

APPLY ONLINE

CALL TO ARTISTS

The first round of applications will be reviewed on July 24. Rolling applications will be open through August 7 at 11:59PM, if space allows.

The Arts Commission is seeking local artists for the Momentum Festival on September 8, 15, and 16. This year the Momentum Festival will activate currently vacant spaces on N. Superior St. between Madison Ave. and Adams St.. These spaces will be used to exhibit art by Toledo creatives in a non-juried, multimedia arts showcase for which any local artist is eligible. Artists of any medium are encouraged to apply. This includes but is not limited to dance, music, theater, film, literature, design, and visual arts.

Exhibition times will be 5:00PM - 10:00PM on September 8 and 15, and 1:00PM - 10:00PM on September 16. Exhibition space will vary depending on building location, all spaces will be on the first or ground floors to ensure accessibility. This addition to the Momentum Festival will provide a local arts experience that brings the creative community together to revitalize space and show off the diversity that makes Toledo an inspiring and vibrant community. The block of N. Superior St. between Madison Ave. and Adams St. will be transformed with visual art displays, installations, film and video features, live poetry and performances. This non-juried exhibition will allow any Toledo creative to showcase their work.

Learn More and Apply Online
Visual AIDS
Postcards from the Edge

Postcards From The Edge is an exhibition and benefit sale of original, postcard-sized works on paper by established and emerging artists. All the artwork is exhibited anonymously, and the name of the artist is revealed only after the work is purchased. This means that you can not sign the front of your submission, only the back. All proceeds support the programs of Visual AIDS.

Postcards from the Edge will take place from January 5th through 8th both in-person at Ortuzar Projects in New York City and online. All submitted artworks will be exhibited at Ortuzar Projects and available for purchase online.

Any and all artists over 18 years old are encouraged to donate a 4" x 6" original work on paper for our Postcards From the Edge exhibition and benefit sale. Download instructions and submission forms here. All submissions must be accompanied by a form.

Postcard sized artwork can be in any medium, including drawings, photographs, paintings, printmaking, textile, sculpture and mixed media, as long as it is 4" x 6" inches - horizontal or vertical format are fine. There are no limitations to theme or subject matter, however work should be original. For example, a pre-printed or mass produced postcard or a 4 x 6” print of a larger original work are not eligible to be included.

The exhibition and sale is not juried. All work that arrives by deadline and meets the submission criteria will be displayed.

Our mailing address is: 526 W 26th St. #309, New York, NY 10001. The postmark deadline for Postcards from the Edge 2023 submissions is November 21, 2022. This is when you must put the artwork in the mail, not when we need to receive it. You may also hand deliver artwork to the Visual AIDS office M-F 10:30am-6pm.

Please email postcards@visualaids.org with any unanswered questions.

Email Visual AIDS
Ohio Arts Council
Traditional Arts Apprenticeship

APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 15 (ANNUALLY)

The Traditional Arts Apprenticeship program provides support for master artists to work with apprentices to build understanding and proficiency in folk and traditional art forms. By pairing exemplary practitioners of traditional art forms with dedicated apprentices, this program allows for concentrated study and cultural exchange. Traditional Arts Apprenticeship awards support the teaching and sharing of important cultural traditions, and enrich the lives of people throughout the state.

GRANT AWARDS: Master artists may request up to $4,000 to work with one, and if appropriate, two, apprentices. At least 50 percent of the request must be used for master artist honoraria. No match is required.

ELIGIBILITY: Apprentices must live in Ohio; master artists may live in another state if there is no suitable artist in Ohio. Both masters and apprentices must be U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens, and must have lived in the country for at least eight months prior to the deadline.
Applicants are eligible for only one award per year. Applications are accepted for apprenticeships in all forms of traditional arts, including traditional music and instrument making, sacred and secular crafts, occupational traditions, folk and ethnic dance, and traditional arts associated with annual celebrations.

STAFF CONTACT
Kathy Signorino
Individual Artist/Percent for Art Program
Coordinator and Traditional Arts
Apprenticeships Program Coordinator
kathy.signorino@oac.ohio.gov
614-728-6140

LEARN MORE
Ohio Arts Council
Individual Excellence Awards

DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 1 ANNUALLY

The Individual Excellence Awards program recognizes outstanding accomplishments by artists in a variety of disciplines. Awards give artists the resources to experiment and explore their art forms, develop skills and advance their careers, and receive affirmation and acknowledgment for outstanding work. Competitive applications focused on the merit of past artistic work, combined with an open panel review conducted by nationally recognized professionals, ensure that only the most exceptional individuals receive funding.

GRANT AWARDS: Individual Excellence Awards are $5,000.

Odd-numbered years (e.g. 2017, 2019): choreography, criticism, fiction/non-fiction, music composition, playwriting/screenplays, and poetry.
Even-numbered years (e.g. 2018, 2020): crafts, design arts/illustration, interdisciplinary/collaborative & performance art, media arts, photography, visual arts 2D, and visual arts 3D.

STAFF CONTACT
Kathy Signorino
Individual Artist/Percent for Art Program
Coordinator and Traditional Arts
Apprenticeships Program Coordinator
kathy.signorino@oac.ohio.gov
614-728-6140

LEARN MORE AND APPLY
The Contemporary Dayton
Call for Artists at The Contemporary Dayton

ONGOING CALLS FOR ARTIST SUBMISSIONS

The Contemporary Dayton considers proposals from both artists and curators that expand the public’s understanding of the visual arts and represent the diversity and breadth of fine art and fine craft being made today. The gallery space is 210 running feet and 1,810 square feet on street level in downtown Dayton’s Bindery Building at 118 N. Jefferson Street, between First and Second streets.

LEARN MORE
Ann Arbor Art Center
Call for Artists at Aquarium Gallery

Artists or Artist-led teams are invited to submit site-specific installation proposals for the Ann Arbor Art Center’s Aquarium Gallery. The Aquarium is an experimental micro gallery designed to showcase site-specific installations that engage with a street-level audience. The street-facing gallery is comprised of a large window space measuring approximately 72” h x 72” w x 12” d located on the West side of the building, off the corner of S. Ashley and W. Liberty St. Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed by the Art Center’s Gallery team each month. Works must be original within the previous year and must not have been previously shown in any exhibition at the Ann Arbor Art Center.

Learn More
Ann Arbor Art Center
Artist Opportunities

The Ann Arbor Art Center (A2AC) is committed to providing accessible opportunities for artists at every stage of their careers providing invaluable space and time to explore, experiment and enrich their creative practice.

Located in the heart of Ann Arbor’s emerging creative district, A2AC is the premier venue for artists to sell, exhibit and teach.

Learn More
River House Arts
Artist Submissions For Gallery Display

CONTEMPORARY GALLERY IN DOWNTOWN TOLEDO

River House Arts accepts submissions from contemporary artists working in all types of media, including video, for consideration on an ongoing basis. Visit link for submission details. 

LEARN MORE

Workshops and Resources

Arts Midwest
Pathways on the Jazz Road

Professional Development Opportunity: Join Arts Midwest, the Ohio Arts Council's regional arts organization, and South Arts for Pathways on the Jazz Road: An Artistic Career Workshop. Expert panelists will share their experiences and insights on the various aspects of the jazz industry, including performance, recording, marketing, and more. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network with other musicians and gain valuable advice on how to build your own artistic career. A limited number of complimentary tickets and $500 travel stipends are available. 

Workshop Date: September 23, 2023 | Learn More

Arts Midwest Website
FilmToledo
The Actors' Workshop

Partnered with the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, The Actors’ Workshop is a monthly event featuring studies of film acting techniques, interactive improv exercises, and discussion of the local film scene.

Learn More
Toledo Poet
Local Literary Enthusiasts

ToledoPoet.com is the site for Toledo Poets.  View our Calendar of Events, join our Email group to get notification and reminders of events, and check out our Local Publishers Accepting Submissions page. Be sure to sign up for the email list!

LEARN MORE
Tholepin Press and Studios
Life Drawing Venue

ONGOING OPPORTUNITY

Tholepin Press and Studios, Toledo's longest running life drawing venue, has been offering life drawing courses every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 6 - 9 pm for twenty five years. $10 for adults. $7 for college students with ID. $5 for high school students with parental approval. Poses from two minute gestures to two hours. Wine, soda and snacks served during the break. Located along the Maumee river, at 210 Elm Street, just North of Downtown Toledo. Free parking in the street below. All you need to bring is paper and pencils. Visit Life Drawing at Tholepin Press & Studios on Facebook or call/text 419-243-4944.

MORE INFORMATION
Ohio Arts Council
Individual Artists Opportunities Database

The Artist Opportunities Database is a searchable listing of opportunities for artists, managed by the Ohio Arts Council (OAC), and is free and open to the public for browsing and searching. The purpose of the database is to announce opportunities available to artists.

LEARN MORE
National Resources for Artists and Funding
Candid and Grantspace

Candid houses a wealth of information for nonprofits, organizations, and individuals, including some services such as webinars and workshops tailored specifically to artists. In short, it is a great organization to be aware of with comprehensive search options for grants and other financial resources. Individuals and organizations can purchase a membership to find funding online ($50/month) or can visit the Toledo Lucas County Public Main Library and access the portal (with training) for free.

Toledo-Lucas County Public Library
Business Technology Department
325 N Michigan St
Toledo, OH 43604
Phone: 419-259-5209
Main URL: https://www.toledolibrary.org/business


Grantspace
 is a service of Candid with a honed mission around grantmaking and services.

LEARN MORE
Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center
Classes and Programs

From cardio drumming to salsa lessons to pottery and cooking classes to cultural tours, SQACC offers a host of community classes and programs. 

For more information or to sign up for a class follow the link below.

LEARN MORE
Collingwood Arts Center
Studio Space Available

The Collingwood Arts Center facility houses over 25 visual arts studio spaces of varying sizes, as well as nine music studios and one dance studio. Studio leases are written for 6 month periods only, with the contract reverting to a month to month basis after the original 6 months. Restrictions: these spaces are for studio work space only. They may not be used as residential spaces. Utilities are included in rental rate. Click here to download the application. Return completed application and $25 application fee to: Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Ave., Toledo OH 43620. For detailed information, photos, dimensions, and pricing, visit the CAC's website

LEARN MORE
BiG Fab Lab • Bowling Green
Memberships

Join the BiG Fab Lab and gain access to our woodshop, metalshop, pottery studio, 3D printers and scanners, laser engraver and more! Schedule a tour now!

Once you become a member and pass basic tool safety training, your creativity can have full reign!

Members are expected to work in a safe manner, treat others with respect, clean up after themselves, and care for the equipment. Memberships will be revoked if these guidelines are not followed. Check out our Member Handbook to understand your responsibilities as a member.

Each member will be issued an RFID swipe picture ID. This card will be necessary to access various areas of the Lab. Soon, our swipe system will allow us to control tool access, monitor usage, and monitor scheduling.

LEARN MORE
Toledo Lucas County Library
Small Business & Nonprofit Assistance

The library offers free small business resources for those looking to get an idea off the ground. Topics include: learn about the business you're interested in, know your competition, define your overall goals, create a business plan.

The library also has a WorkSpace for individuals and organizations to establish a home base for up to 3 months.

LEARN MORE
University of Toledo
COMMUNITY MUSIC PROGRAM

The University of Toledo Community Music Program offers group and private music lessons to members of the community. You do not need to be a UToledo student to participate. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are not holding GROUP lessons at this time. We hope to hold GROUP LESSONS in the future when the pandemic is passed. Any decision will be announced here on the website.

Private lessons will be conducted virtually if a student teacher is available in the desired instrument or in voice. Please complete the inquiry form below and someone from the Music Department will get back with you.

LEARN MORE
Anthony Wayne Area Arts Commission
Current Events & Artist Opportunities
Toledo Museum of Art
Classes and Workshops

TMA offers an assortment of virtual and in-person art classes for youth and adult audiences in a range of media.

Explore your creativity for the first time—or the first time in years—at the Toledo Museum of Art. For more than a century, this community resource has offered classes for every age, every experience level, and every schedule. All classes and workshops are related to works of art in the TMA collection.

Students will visit the galleries virtually, learn about some of the iconic works of art, then combine that inspiration with their own creativity at home. Looking for a creative outlet for the kids, wanting to try something new or seeking an opportunity to refine your skills? You’ll find it here.

Learn More
Copper Moon Studio
Classes & Projects

Copper Moon teaches you the basics of fused glass to assemble a project designed by you. Using a variety of fused glass techniques, you'll choose the colors and patterns. After you design the piece, we'll fire the design in our kiln and have it ready for pick up at our studio one week from the day of your class.

A great option for birthday parties, corporate events, troop activities, or a family fun day! Do you need a quiet afternoon to create? Come by yourself and work independently. Call 419-867-0683 for more information.

Learn More
Toledo Artists' Club
Classes & Workshops

The Toledo Artists’ Club has made it a priority to offer classes and workshops for both children and adults.

All classes held at the Toledo Artists' Club, in the Toledo Botanical Garden, 5403 Elmer Drive, Toledo, Ohio

LEARN MORE
Cleveland Creative Compass
Educational Resources

Cleveland's Creative Compass organization is an education resource for Cleveland area artists with some opportunities available to a wider audience. Visit their page for Calls for ArtistsAuditionsGrantsClasses / Workshops & Events, and Employment

LEARN MORE

Current Projects

Signal Box Wrap Project

The Arts Commission is seeking artwork for vinyl-wrapped signal boxes in an effort to aesthetically enhance the pedestrian experience. Signal box cabinets are found at every intersection that includes a traffic signal. These innocuous metal boxes provide a great opportunity to implement moments of artistic discovery. Applications may be submitted online by July 10.

Learn More

Accelerator Grant Program

The Arts Commission values the many artists across disciplines who contribute vibrancy to Toledo. The Accelerator Grant is a competitive program offering financial support with quick turn-around for artists to advance their creative projects, thereby advancing their careers. Eligible categories of support include: equipment, supplies, professional development and project support. Grant amounts are not to exceed $1500.

Read More
dancing

Merit Awards

The Arts Commission commends local artists who dedicate many hours and personal resources to advancing their artform. The Merit Award program recognizes outstanding individual local artists – literary, performing and visual. A panel of renowned artists and cultural leaders from other Midwest communities make recommendations for funding to the Arts Commission staff and board. The Merit Award program not only presents the potential for monetary benefits for the artists applying but also valuable exposure to the invited review panelists and the art communities they represent.

Read More
artist vendor

Artist Vendors

For artists who are interested in selling goods at various shows and markets throughout the state of Ohio you will need to obtain a Transient Vendors License (TVL) for the legal collection of state sales tax. The State offers licenses for an initial fee of $25. There are both paper and online formats of the application. After setting up an Ohio Business Gateway account, you can use this portal to digitally apply for the TVL on the spot, in addition to finding details on how to collect, report and pay sales tax.

Application
street performers

Street Performing

For artists who are interested in busking - a.k.a. street performing - the City of Toledo offers an opportunity for official licensure. By obtaining an official City of Toledo Street Performing License, artists are legally allowed to collect tips for their performances on public/City property. The City offers licenses for an initial fee of $20, and just $5 to renew each following year. Licenses are valid from January through December each year.

Application

Toledo and Lucas County Arts Relief Grants

In January 2021, The Arts Commission, with funding from the City of Toledo and Lucas County, distributed approximately $425,000 in grants to local artists and small arts organizations through the City of Toledo and Lucas County Arts Relief Grants program. This economic relief funding was aimed at supporting artists and organizations whose ability to earn income has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This investment provided relief for 14 arts and culture organizations and 190 individual artists.

Learn More

Pandemic Relief Resources for Artists

As COVID-19 changes the landscape for many working artists, we have compiled a list of relief funding and resources.

Learn More
youth artist

For Youth

The Arts Commission supports area teens through our Young Artists at Work (YAAW) and Congressional Exhibition programs. By creating opportunities to show work and fostering environments for learning and collaboration, we are dedicated to inspiring the youth of our city's future to dream big, create big, and become active and engaged artists in our community.