Arts Innovation—Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I tell if my organization's project is appropriate for this program?
Although many projects will be eligible for the Arts Innovation program, only a portion will be competitive at the panel review.  Organizations should refer to the program's review criteria to determine how well their project aligns and may wish to contact their regional program coordinator to discuss details prior to applying.

2. My organization received an Arts Innovation grant last year; may we apply again?
Yes.  Organizations may receive up to two Arts Innovation grants in any three year period.  If your organization has received Arts Innovation grants in each of the last two fiscal years, you may not apply next year.  Note that applications for a second consecutive year of support should be for the second year of two-year projects or engaged in brand new work, not seeking a second year of support for a previously-funded project that has continued as part of your organization's regular operations.

3. Will a grant received through Arts Innovation be considered as part of my organization's eligibility for Sustainability?
Yes.  Every OAC grant awarded through the OLGA system is considered part of an organization's grant history with the OAC.  The Sustainability program considers grants received by an organization in the last four fiscal years as part of their eligibility requirements (see program guidelines for details).  Because the OLGA system was launched in the 2006 fiscal year, all relevant OAC grant awards your organization has received are viewable in your OLGA account (see your Archives section to review them).  If your organization received an OAC grant that you can view in OLGA, that grant counts towards its eligibility for Sustainability.

4. My organization missed the deadline for the Arts Innovation program; is emergency or special assistance available?
Unfortunately no, the OAC no longer has a mini-grant program available.  If your organization's mission, programming and staff are culturally diverse, you may wish to review the guidelines for the Building Cultural Diversity Initiative, which has a rolling monthly deadline and may be appropriate for your programming.

5. What support materials are required as part of my organization's application?
After applying online via the OnLine Grant Application system (OLGA), applicants must mail (or hand deliver) a signed hard copy of their application to the Ohio Arts Council office in Columbus, along with a complete packet of support materials.  Different programs require different support materials.  Appendix H of the Guidelines details which pieces are required of every Arts Innovation applicant, which are recommended (but optional) to make your application competitive, and which are recommended only for your specific application.  The signed application and support materials packet are due seven calendar days following the deadline by 5 p.m.

6. May I receive funding through the Sustainability program and also apply to Arts Innovation for a new or special one-time project?
Yes. However, these grants are highly competitive and priority will be given to those projects that are truly progressive and depart from the day-to-day programming of their institutions. You may wish to contact your OAC Program Coordinator for more information.

7. My organization has a budget of over $1.5 million dollars. Can we apply for funding through the Sustainability program and also apply to Arts Innovation for a new or special one-time project?
Yes. However, due to limited funding, small, emerging and mid-sized arts and cultural organizations will generally be given priority for these funds.