Project Grants

APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED FOR 2025

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. Emerging, mid-career, and established artists are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility and Areas of Support

Eligible categories of support related to the creation and completion of a creative project include: materials & supplies, equipment, and project support. Artists may request funding at the $2,000, $2,500, or $3,000 level. Requested grant amounts should not exceed $3,000.

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

Important Dates

Applications Open: Monday, May 19
Applications Close: Sunday, June 8 at 11:59pm

Review Process

Applications will be reviewed by a Grant Panel composed of an Arts Commission board member and representatives from the performing, literary, and visual arts communities, along with The Arts Commission’s Chief Executive and Operating Officers serving as ex-officio members.

Mid June: Panelists will Score and Comment on applications.
Week of June 23: Panelists will meet for a Zoom Panel to review funding recommendations.

Mid July: Artists can expect to receive an email notification.

Disbursement

Awardees of the Project Grant will receive funding no later than one month following the receipt of their signed grant agreement.

The Arts Commission's work is made possible through support from the Ohio Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts and other generous supporters.

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

Project Grant 2025

This year's application deadline was Sunday, June 8, 2025. Please check back in 2026 for more grant opportunities.

Application Guidelines

Award Recognition

Recognition Requirements

Financial support for local artists.

2025 Project 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.

"I 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."

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.

“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."

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.

"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.

“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.”

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.

"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."

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.

-While hobbyists and emerging artists are welcome to apply, competitive applicants will have a prior body of work and should be prepared to submit work samples of their original works of art.

How do I know if this is right for me?

Artists submitting competitive applications will be able to articulate their goals for a specific project’s public presentation and will have a clear and achievable timeline for project completion. If awarded, all funds MUST be expended and creative projects MUST be completed by April 1, 2026.

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!

Are framing costs eligible expenses?

Yes! Artists with upcoming exhibitions may request framing support totaling no more than 50% of the request.

Can I include paying other artists in my proposed budget?

Yes! You may pay other artists to help you with your project such as illustrators, musicians, copywriters, copy editors, fabricators, etc.

I am compiling or producing other artists' work. Can I apply?

Producers, commercial artists, creative directors, art organizers, or those providing logistical support to other artists are not eligible for this opportunity. However, applicants may include paying producers under the Project Support category.

I received another grant through TAC. Can I apply for a Project Grant?

Artists are limited to one Project Grant every three calendar years, i.e. artists who received funding in 2025 will not be eligible to apply again until 2028.

-Artists who receive a Project Grant in 2025 must wait until 2028 to apply for an Accelerator Grant.

-Artists who received an Accelerator in 2024 are eligible to apply for a 2025 Project Grant.

-2024 Merit Grant recipients must wait until 2026 to apply for a Project Grant.

My project will not be completed within the granting period described in the guidelines. Can I apply?

Awardees must spend funds within 9 months of receiving their award, and they must be able to submit a final report within 10 months of receiving their award. If your funding cannot be spent or reported on within that time frame, please consider applying to a future round.

How detailed should I make my budget?

Research the actual prices of items or services included in your budget. Panelists like to see detailed and itemized lists that address why support is needed and how it supports your creative practice or experimentation. Double-check the guidelines to make sure you are not requesting funds for ineligible expenses like travel, lodging, or rent. Requests MUST be directly related to your practice.

At least 50% of your request should be directly related to art-making.

What are the scoring criteria?

Applications will be reviewed by a Grant Panel composed of an Arts Commission board member and representatives from the performing, literary, and visual arts communities. Arts Commission staff do NOT make funding recommendations or score applications.

Scale of 0-3: 0. Incomplete, 1. Needs Improvement, 2. Acceptable, or 3. Exemplary.

Dedication to Artistic Practice

Creative Merit

Impact on Artist’s Career

Project Feasibility

Public Presence

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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.

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