NEW! GAAC COMMUNITY GRANTS
advancing arts, culture, and entertainment at every level
Creative passion is a fire that burns deep inside every artist. But every fire needs to be stoked now and then to keep its flames burning bright.
It is our hope that no matter what your fire figuratively needs — be it a single spark, a matchbook, some kindling, or some firewood — the Community Grant Program can provide you what you need to be your personal creative best.
Choose the grant level that suits your current project needs, or create a vision specifically suited to the funds that are currently available. Either way, we can’t wait to see what you come up with.
Spark Grant
$250
Spark grants are meant to provide a quick injection of funding to help embellish an existing idea, put the finishing touch on a project, or provide a small spark of inspiration to our creative community. Our quickest, easiest application process, the Spark Grant gives that little something extra that helps make all the difference.
Deadline extended! Applications are now due on or before June 15th.
Glow Grant
$500
Stay tuned — we’ll be posting more opportunities as the program grows.
Our target date for this grant is currently Autumn 2020. You can help unlock this grant level by donating to the Community Grants program.
Flame Grant
$1000
Stay tuned — we’ll be posting more opportunities as the program grows.
Our target date for this grant is currently Autumn 2020. You can help unlock this grant level by donating to the Community Grants program.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What counts as "public" art?
To be eligible for the Community Grant Program, we ask that your artwork (in whatever form) be accessible to anyone and everyone, but that does not mean it has to be permanently installed or take place on City-owned property. You can create a project or put on a performance in your own yard!
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Examples of qualifying public projects might include —
- Yarn-bombing a tree in your front yard;
- Chalk walks;
- Tagging neighbors’ lawns with inspirational messages;
- Driveway murals;
- Front-porch performances;
- Curbside concerts;
- Geo-caching or other hidden “Easter eggs”;
- And many more!
How complicated is the application?
It’s simple, really! Tell us what you want to create — and how you plan to share it with as many people as possible — and we could give you funding to help make it happen.
We don’t require elaborate presentations or highly developed drawings. The best ideas come through clearly even if scribbled on a napkin. We are, however, interested to know what you think about your idea and why you’re excited about it. This helps us understand both you and your idea better.
And for those times when it’s easier to sketch an idea than describe it, you can upload a file using the application form.
Am I eligible for the grant program?
The Community Grant Program for is open to all professional* artists** of all experience levels and any genre or medium***, age 18 and older.
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*The term “artist” applies broadly across disciplines, including performing, visual, literary, film, fashion and/or multidisciplinary artists.
**The term “professional” refers to individuals who devote a significant portion of their time to the creation of original artwork. Such artists are likely paid for performances, sell their artwork, or share their independent body of work with the public on a regular basis. To be considered, artists must not be currently enrolled as a high school or degree-seeking undergraduate student.
***Creative agencies and other professional organizations primarily producing commercial work are not eligible to receive grants, but employment at such organizations does not disqualify applicants. Members of groups must apply as INDIVIDUALS to be considered.
Do I need to live in Gahanna?
The Gahanna Area Arts Council is committed to promoting local artists. As such, additional points are awarded to artists that are from Gahanna and/or nearby communities. But the program is open to all professional artists, no matter where they are from.
If your proposal is a good fit for our community, we’d love to endorse it, whether you happen to reside here or not.
Who will be reviewing my application?
All eligible applications received before the posted deadline will be reviewed and scored by rotating members of a diverse, independent review committee made up of local artists, civic leaders, and community organizers in a double blind process. To help eliminate biases, the names of review committee members will not published until after grants are awarded.
While the members of the committee have been selected because of their individual accomplishments and backgrounds, which members review which applications is chosen at random. No identifying information about artist applicants is included in the portion of the proposal that is reviewed by the committee.
How will my proposal be scored?
Criteria are divided into four categories: Program Quality, Community Engagement, Application Clarity, and Artists Residency. Evidence of meeting the criteria may be found in any portion of an application or associated support materials.
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Program Quality (Up to 24 points.)
The proposed project demonstrates artistic, educational, and/or cultural value.
The proposed project will add something unique or significant to the cultural fabric of Gahanna.
The allotted grant money has the potential to make a significant impact on the outcome.
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Community Engagement (Up to 12 points.)
The artistic work shows high-impact potential (either affecting a large group or largely affecting a small group).
The artist states a clear plan to share the created work with the community.
The project will increase the applicant’s ability to engage community members in the future.
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Application Clarity (Up to 24 points.)
The outcome of the project is easily envisioned based on the proposal.
The artist demonstrates the capacity to complete the proposed project as described.
The artist’s goals are clearly stated and align with the intended program’s outcome
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Artist Residency (Up to 40 points.)
The Gahanna Area Arts Council is committed to promoting local artists. As such —
Artists from Gahanna are given 40 points.
Artists from Blacklick, New Albany, Jefferson Township, and Mifflin Township are given 32 points.
Artists from Greater Columbus are given 24 points.
Artists from Ohio are given 16 points.
Artists from all other locations are given 8 points.
How will the award winners be chosen?
Chosen applicants will be notified by email of their award status on or before June 15, 2020 with an agreement to be signed by the applicant. Checks will be mailed out within two business days of receiving a signed agreement.
If I win, when will I receive the money?
Chosen applicants will be notified by email of their award status on or before June 15, 2020, alongside a grant agreement to be signed.
Checks will be mailed out within two business days of receiving the signed agreement.
How can I help this program continue?
The Gahanna Area Arts Council is an all-volunteer, independent 501(c)(3) non-profit that relies on fundraising, donations, and personal gifts to put on programs like this.
If you’d like to help us continue the Community Grant program, please visit our donate page and give generously. Every dollar goes to supporting creatives in our community, thus enhancing the cultural fabric of Gahanna.
What if I have more questions?
We’re happy to answer any and all other questions you have! Simply send an email to grants@gahannaarts.org.
Subscribe to receive updates.
We try to send out a newsletter every week. These often feature highlights of upcoming events, stories of inspiration within our community, or recaps of what you may have missed.
Drop us a line.
Have an idea? Questions? Concerns? Just looking for a way to connect? We’ve got you covered. Email info@gahannaarts.org or use this form right to send a message right to our desk.
Connect with us on social.
Our social media accounts are the best way to stay connected to the Council on a day-to-day basis. We use Facebook to tell stories, Twitter to have conversations, and Instagram as a digital gallery space to feature some of our community’s best artists. Follow just one or all three, it’s up to you. We’re just happy to have you in the fold.
Subscribe to receive updates.
Drop us a line.
Connect with us on social.
We try to send out a newsletter every week. These often feature highlights of upcoming events, stories of inspiration within our community, or recaps of what you may have missed.
Have an idea? Questions? Concerns? Just looking for a way to connect? We’ve got you covered. Email info@gahannaarts.org or use this form right to send a message right to our desk.
Our social media accounts are the best way to stay connected to the Council on a day-to-day basis. Follow just one or all three, it’s up to you. We’re just happy to have you in the fold.
We use Facebook to tell stories, Twitter to have conversations, and Instagram as a digital gallery space to feature some of our community’s best artists.