Individual Creativity—Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you pay my fees for a conference or workshop or other professional development opportunities?
No, due to budget reductions, we no longer provide professional development assistance funds to individual artists.

2. How can I get funds to publish a book or record a CD?
We do not fund publishing or recording projects for individuals. As a writer or music composer you may be eligible to apply for an Individual Excellence Award or an Artists and Communities grant if eligibility requirements are met. Please read the Individual Excellence Award Guidelines.

3. Can I get money to continue my education?
No, we do not fund students in degree or certificate granting programs. You may check the resource section of y our library for funding opportunities such as scholarships through foundations.

4. I am an artist and want to do a project, can you fund me?
Unfortunately, due to budget restrictions we have had to eliminate our artist project programs. We do offer suport for artists for past work through our Individual Excellence Awards.

5. Do I have to live in Ohio to apply to OAC programs?
Yes, you must be an Ohio resident, living and working in the state, for one year prior to the deadline for the Individual Excellence Awards and the Traditional Arts Apprenticeship program. Please read the residency requirements section in the Guidelines.

6. As a performing artist (singer, dancer or actor) how can I get OAC funds?
You could apply to be part of our Arts Learning or Ohio Artist on Tour Roster. Please see these sections of the Guidelines.

7. I've been invited to attend a biennial in another country. Can I receive support from the OAC for travel and exhibition costs?
No, the International Partnership program no longer funds individual artists. Artists interested in developing an international project must partner with an organization in their community. The organization must be the applicant, and an active participant in the proposed activity.

Traditional Arts Apprenticeships

1. As a Traditional Artist can I apply with a Master Artist who does not live in Ohio?
Yes, only if there is not a suitable Master Artist in Ohio skilled in the art form in which you are interested. Please note that the Master Artist is the applicant. Please read the Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Guidelines.

2. If I have been a Traditional Artist Apprentice can I be one again? And if so, can it be with the same Master Artist?
Yes, you will be working to learn a different art form or an expanded skill level than that for which the master was previously funded. Please read the Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Guidelines.

1. On the Individual Excellence Award application where do I put my budget and project description?
You don't. These are awards for excellence of past work not for proposed projects. For project funding see the Artists and Communities Program Guidelines.