Project Grants

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

Grant Program Overview

The Project Grant is a competitive program offering financial support to artists to create or complete original works of art that demonstrate artistic growth and creative experimentation. The Project Grant is open to artists across all mediums. Mid-career and Established artists are encouraged to apply and grant requests may not exceed $3,000.

See the 2026 Project Grant Guidelines PDF for the full program details.

Eligible Applicants

— Individual artists and members of artist collectives with a current residence or creative studio within 30 miles of downtown Toledo may be eligible.

— Applicants who identify as Established or Mid-Career Artists are eligible to apply (see the FAQ on this page or the 2026 Project Grant Guidelines for descriptions).

— Competitive applicants will be artists with a prior body of work who are creating or completing their own original works of art to build their portfolio, or who have an upcoming exhibition, performance, or other public opportunity to share their work in the next 12 months.

— Applications will be accepted from university or college-level adjunct teachers.

Contact Information

For all inquiries, please contact Liz Bayan at LBayan@theartscommission.org.

Applications were open March 23–April 12, 2026

2026 Application Guidelines

Grant Guidelines PDF

2026 Project Grant Sample Application

PDF not for offline completion

Award Recognition

Recognition Requirements

Financial support for local artists.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from an Accelerator Grant or Merit Award?

The Project Grant is meant to support artists by helping move an idea/project/or body of work past the finish line and support an artists’ growth, experimentation, and ultimately their creative career. While the Accelerator Grant offers quick turnaround for immediate and broad needs of artists, the Project Grant is tied to the creation AND completion of a specific work of art. Applicants must have a good idea of how and when their work will be completed and be able to submit documentation of their finished work within the granting period.

-Artists who have already received an Accelerator Grant(s) should feel comfortable applying for this opportunity.

-Artists with an interest in growing their grantwriting skills or building their portfolios up to prepare for larger dollar grant requests or a Merit Award are encouraged to apply for a Project Grant.

What do you mean by Mid-career or Established artist?

For the purposes of this program, applicants may identify as a Mid-career artist if one of the following applies:

Artist has already established a sizable audience, a consistent body of work, and defining style over a period of a number of years

Artist has an ongoing record that could include: Solo and group exhibitions, performances, gallery representation, honors/awards, residencies and fellowships, reviews by art critics, grants, or publications, etc.

Artist has 10-20 years of experience as a working artist regardless of age or education.

For the purposes of this program, applicants may identify as an Established artist if one of the following applies:

Artist is widely recognized (regionally, nationally, or internationally) in the art world regardless of age or years of experience.

Artist has created an extensive body of independent work.

Artist has 20+ years of experience as a working artist regardless of age or education.

Why a Project Grant?

Through artist surveys, listening sessions, and conversations with applicants, we saw a need for a broader range of funding opportunities that supported more artists at a higher dollar amount. Artists were requesting support for specific projects and they wanted to dream big, so the Project Grant was created!

2025 Grant Recipients

Sarah Cohen (The Antivillains)

Musician

"Reunion" is comprised of 13 original songs, all songs that The Antivillains have recorded at Dream Louder Music in Toledo Ohio. The album highlights the amazing journey of many years of writing and performing together as a band. Lyricist Sarah Cohen brings together a collection of stories describing haunting displacement, joyful growth and disquieting longing set to a soundtrack.

Listen to Sarah's work

"A heartfelt show of gratitude from The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, receiving this grant allows my creative practice and a quality product ready for the retail market."

Alex Goetz

Filmmaker

Alex Goetz is a wildlife filmmaker and photographer based in Toledo, Ohio, and co-founder of Running Wild Media. He has contributed to outlets such as National Geographic, PBS, CNN, and was a winner of the National Geographic WILD "Wild to Inspire" film competition.

This project is a short narrative film that follows a group of determined kids as they band together to rescue turtles attempting to cross busy roads. This film aims to be more than just heartfelt and entertaining—it’s designed to spark awareness and educate viewers on how we can coexist with local wildlife and take simple, actionable steps to help protect it.

Watch Alex's work

"This project is a slight departure from the documentary work I typically create, and a first attempt at creating a narrative film. So to have the support and partnership of The Arts Commission means a great deal."

Cyd Gottlieb

Multi-Disciplinary Artist

Cyd Gottlieb is a multidisciplinary artist based in Toledo, Ohio whose work centers on creative problem-solving through experiential, visual, and interpretive programming.

This line of small sculptures expands my fine art and craft practice into functional design.

View Cyd's work

"This is an exciting step for me in that I can share and celebrate my Ashkenazi Jewish ethnicity, educate people about traditional components of my culture in a fun and approachable way, invite others to try a seasonal game, and ideally establish a sense of togetherness.”

Kayla Kirk

Ceramic Artist

This project is exciting because it's my return to conceptual art making in over four years. Over the past five years I've poured all of my development as a ceramicist into functional pottery. My soul needs to make this work. I feel I finally have my business in a place where I can devote the time and energy into making this important work that hopefully many people will be able to resonate with.

In 2017, Kayla Kirk graduated from the University of Toledo with a BFA in Sculpture and a BA in Art History. Kayla’s work is guided by personal narrative and energized by the magical transformation of raw clay into fine art.

View Kayla's work

“Being awarded the Project Grant gives me the ability to create and finish work that's been years in the making. This opportunity will help propel my artistic career to the next level.”

Lindsay Scypta

Ceramic Artist

Lindsay Scypta holds a BFA in Art & Design from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University and a MFA from The Ohio State University. She established a studio in 2014 where she balances teaching and making. She had a solo show at Morean Center for Clay in 2015 and Hudson Gallery in 2019.

View Lindsay's work

“I’m thrilled to receive the 2025 project grant! The work I intend to make was manifested during cancer treatment in 2023/24 deep in the midst of disenfranchised grief. This funding will help support the necessary research and skill building required to construct what I hope to be lifelike porcelain flowers that adorn my ceramic wares."

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The Arts Commission
1000 Adams Street
Toledo, Ohio 43604
419-254-ARTS (2787)

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Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access Statement

Inclusion, diversity, equity and access are fundamentally important to our work at The Arts Commission. Our aim is to provide access and opportunity to art and culture for all in our community. It is our committed practice to stand alongside, listen and act based upon community needs. We have a responsibility to advocate for inclusion, diversity, equity and access. The Arts Commission will continue to deepen this practice as we move into the future.

The Arts Commission believes that the arts can provide the space to foster conversations that bring us together. The arts have long stood in the gap as a bridge between cultures. They have served as a place to support healing, as well as a place to develop and exchange compassion. We trust the arts in this role. By embracing our differences and celebrating our similarities we build a more vibrant, just, and inclusive society.

Terms

All content on this site is presented in support of Toledo's creative community and is made available as such.

Accessibility

The Arts Commission strives to provide programming and events in an inclusive manner in accessible spaces and venues. Should you wish to visit or participate and need accommodation, please contact us at 419-254-2787.