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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

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
LISC + Verizon
Small Business Digital Ready - Grants + Education

Take free courses. Apply for grants.

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready is built for small businesses, by small businesses. Take courses, sharpen your business skills and become grant eligible. The best part is—it’s all free.

  • Register for Verizon Small Business Digital Ready.

  • Complete two Digital Ready courses or events in 2023 to become eligible.

  • Apply for grants before May 12, 2023.

  • All applicants will be notified if they’ve been chosen to receive funding.

Register Now
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

The Arts Commission
Signal Box Wrap Project | Phase 4

APPLY NOW FOR THE NEXT PHASE OF THE SIGNAL BOX WRAP PROJECT

APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 10, 2023

APPLY NOW

Starting in 2021 The Arts Commission’s Art in Public Places program sought artists to create “Flora and Fauna” themed artwork to be applied as vinyl wraps on signal boxes around the City of Toledo. These innocuous metal boxes provide a great opportunity to implement moments of artistic discovery.

Phase one signal box wraps are located along Jefferson Avenue from Summit Street to Collingwood Avenue. This major corridor connects The Old West End, including the Toledo Museum of Art to the core of downtown Toledo. Phase two signal box wraps are located along Main Street from Front Street to Starr Avenue in east Toledo and were a collaboration between the Art in Public Places and Young Artists at Work programs. Phase three of the project includes signal boxes along Adams Street from Summit Street to 17th Street.

This phase of the Signal Box Wrap Project will enhance eighteen signal boxes in Toledo’s downtown business district. Installations year will cover Jackson Street, Madison Avenue, Monroe Street, and Washington Street, from Summit Street up to Erie Street.

Learn More
The Arts Commission
Momentum | Intersection: Call to Artists, 2024 Exhibition

Momentum | Intersection 2024 Exhibition - CALL TO ARTISTS

APPLICATION DEADLINE: JUNE 28, 2023

Request for Proposals - CLICK HERE

Apply Online - CLICK HERE

Additional information: https://theartscommission.org/events/momentum

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 an international call for proposals. This project is a unique opportunity to see the inside workings of the float glass process, gain access to industry experts who make the glass, and integrate this industrial material into your own work.

Inspired by the experimental glass workshops held in Toledo, OH, in 1962 The Arts Commission is requesting interested artists, designers, architects, engineers, and other creatives working with glass living in any locale around the world to submit a portfolio and statement of interest to participate in the sixth edition of an industrial collaboration with Pilkington North America, part of Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd. (NSG).

A panel of jurors will select up to six artists to tour Pilkington North America facilities and be given demonstrations of their materials. Applicants will be given a sampling of glass of their choice and three months to experiment with materials before submitting final project proposals due December 2023. Proposals selected from the candidates will be given materials, an honorarium, and exhibition space during the Momentum Festival in 2024.

Exhibition space in the past has typically been on the Toledo Museum of Art campus. However, the Momentum concept is to push boundaries so we would be open to evaluate other spaces based on your vision. Accepted participants will be invited to tour NSG’s manufacturing plant; attend Momentum Intersection Request for Proposals 2023 seminars on the history of glass manufacturing; learn about materials from NSG research and development engineers; be given demonstrations on various applications of glass materials; be provided with materials of the participants choice; and receive ongoing support from NSG technical teams who will continue to be available throughout the process.

The initial tours are tentatively scheduled during the Momentum | Intersection 2023 exhibition at the Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion on September 14, 2023, with a product introduction for selected artists. Momentum | Intersection 2023 exhibition will feature works by: James Friedberg and Gabriella Giungato, Molly Jo Burke and Nate Gorgen, and Felicity Machado.

Learn More
Toledo Museum of Art
Call for Artists: Disabled Women Make History (and Art)

For the 2nd year in a row, The Toledo Museum of Art is partnering with Disability EmpowHer Network on “Disabled Women Make History (and Art): A Celebration of Creative Women in the Community” to honor the Supreme Court Olmstead decision. This fantastic event will take place in the Glass Pavilion of the Toledo Museum of Art on Saturday, June 24th, 2023 from 6-8pm.

 

We invite women* with disabilities to submit their art for consideration to be displayed as part of this unique event. We will select a total of 20 artists. Artists selected will be invited to display their work at this event and receive admission to two exclusive workshops to enhance their skills in marketing themselves and their artwork. Preference will be given to artists currently residing in Ohio, NE Indiana, and SE Michigan. Trans women, cis women, and feminine-aligned artists of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to apply!

If you are interested in submitting your art to be exhibited at the event, please fill out this form by May 12https://tinyurl.com/DisabledWomanMakeArt2023

Submit
Swartz Creek Kiwani Club
2023 Art in the Park - Swartz Creek Art Fair

CALL TO ARTISTS

Art in the Park is a juried art and fine craft show held outdoor at Elms Park in Swartz Creek, Michigan. The event will be on Friday, August 18, from 3PM to 7PM, and Saturday, August 19, 2023, from 9AM to 5PM.

Early Application Deadline: July 11, $125

Late Application Deadline: August 17, $150

There is no additional jury fee. Silent auction donations are appreciated. Each participating artist will have a 12'x12' booth space with drive-up access and assistance for set-up and take-down.

CONTACT

Doug Stephens - (810) 282 - 7641

Email: aitp@hsaa.com

Website: www.swartzcreekkiwanis.org/art

AITP 2023 is the fourteenth installment of what is becoming one of the most successful annual art fairs in Mid-Michigan. It will be an outdoor event. Patrons can expect the finest arts and crafts, local food, and engaging children's activities while enjoying the many comforts, joys, and experiences of Swartz Creek's beautiful Elms Park.

Elms Park

Elms Park is Swartz Creek's premier destination for outdoor recreation, sports, and solitude. It mixes its natural ambiance with an urban location to make for one of the best outdoor venues for an art fair. Regionally located minutes from the I-69 and I-75 interchange, you will find it co-mingling with neighborhood residences and Swartz Creek's east side local business district at the Miller Road exit.

What's the deal for artists?

The Art in the Park Committee is inviting arts and fine crafts of the highest quality to participate in our annual Art in the Park event and enjoy a day in one of Genesee County's best recreational areas. Artists are invited to submit applications to the jury selection committee.

Learn More + Apply
The San Diego Watercolor Society
The San Diego Watercolor Society's 43rd International Exhibition

Enter the San Diego Watercolor Society’s 43rd International Show and Exhibition, featuring more than $20,000 in cash and prizes and a $5,000 first place award. Deadline May 7, 2023.

Now accepting all types of water-based media on stretched canvas, cradled panel board and paper. Framing optional. Online Entry only. Visit www.sdws.org for prospectus or call 619-876-4550 for more information.

Juror, Stephen Zhang, TWSA, WHS.

Exhibition runs October 1st- October 31st.

Apply
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.

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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
Public Art Vermilion
Call to Artists: Main Street Park & Beach Sculpture Project

Call for Artists! Request for Qualifications (RFQ)!

Public Art Vermilion invites artists to learn more about our sculpture project at Main Street Park & Beach, located on the shores of Lake Erie in the heart of downtown Vermilion. This will be the second art installation for our program and we welcome submissions as well as questions during this process. Click here to access the detailed RFQ, which includes all contact information for Public Art Vermilion. Deadline for RFQ submission is Friday, May 5, 2023.

Project timeline is included in the RFQ.

Questions? Call PAV Chairman, Marilou Suszko at 440.963.0772.

[This project is funded by a grant from Shores & Islands Ohio, Main Street Vermilion and private donations.]

Detailed RFQ

Workshops and Resources

LISC + Verizon
Small Business Digital Ready - Grants + Education

Take free courses. Apply for grants.

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready is built for small businesses, by small businesses. Take courses, sharpen your business skills and become grant eligible. The best part is—it’s all free.

  • Register for Verizon Small Business Digital Ready.

  • Complete two Digital Ready courses or events in 2023 to become eligible.

  • Apply for grants before May 12, 2023.

  • All applicants will be notified if they’ve been chosen to receive funding.

Register Now
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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 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.

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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.

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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.