GRANTS: Ohio Artists on Tour

Ohio is home to a remarkable variety of talented performing artists and ensembles that contribute to the quality of life and creative economy of the state. The Ohio Artists on Tour program enables Ohio organizations to tap into the creative potential of these artists to enrich their programming and the vitality of their communities. Visit the Ohio Artists on Tour Directory to learn more about the artists and ensembles available through this program.

GRANT AWARDS: Applicants request one-third of an artist or ensemble’s fee, up to $10,000. Requests may be made for fee support for multiple artists in a single year, up to a maximum of $15,000.

ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible to receive fee support through the Ohio Artists on Tour program, an organization must first have been awarded another OAC grant through a qualifying program (Sustainability, Arts Access, Arts Partnership, ArtSTART, ArtsNEXT, Building Cultural Diversity, or Artists with Disabilities Access Program) in either the fiscal year the artist or ensemble’s performance is scheduled to occur, or in the previous fiscal year.

NOTE: Presenting organizations from traditionally underserved areas of Ohio may be eligible to receive additional funds through the OAC's Main Stage to Main Street initiative. Applicants from these areas are encouraged to contact the OAC to learn more about this opportunity.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS: The Ohio Artists on Tour program provides awards in the form of fee support to institutions throughout Ohio that present artists listed in the Ohio Artists on Tour Directory. The artist or ensemble must conduct at least one outreach activity in the community (e.g., master class, lecture/demonstration, school performance, workshop, etc.), and performances must be marketed to the general public. OAC funds must be used for artist fees, which may include travel, lodging, and outreach activity expenses. Please refer to the Introduction and Overview section of the OAC Guidelines for a list of activities the OAC cannot fund.

HOW TO APPLY: Fully executed contracts requesting funds through the Ohio Artists on Tour program must be uploaded to the ARTIE system. No additional application is required.