The Ohio Arts Council (OAC) has announced a record-setting investment in the state’s arts and cultural landscape, approving more than $23.3 million in grants during its July 30 board meeting.
The funding will support nearly 1,000 artists, organizations, educators, and public arts programs across all 88 Ohio counties.
This marks the largest single round of grant awards in the OAC’s 60-year history, with 965 grants approved as part of the first—and most comprehensive—funding cycle for state fiscal year 2026.
“These meaningful, impactful investments increase access to the arts in communities across Ohio,” said Donna S. Collins, Executive Director of the OAC. “We are proud to strengthen innovation, vitality, and cultural richness in our state, and we thank Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly for their unwavering support.”
The grants are part of the state’s 2026–2027 operating budget, which includes a record-high $53.5 million appropriation for the OAC over two years.
Breakdown of Funding
Operating Support
- Sustainability: 558 grants totaling over $18.1 million for ongoing arts and cultural programming across all genres.
Local recipients include:- The Gloria Theatre/GrandWorks Foundation, Urbana (Champaign County) – $17,970
- Logan County Landmark Preservation, Inc., Bellefontaine (Logan County) – $23,025
Arts Learning
- TeachArtsOhio: 102 grants totaling $2.56 million to bring professional teaching artists into K–12 classrooms.
Local recipient:- Benjamin Logan High School/Benjamin Logan Local Schools, Bellefontaine (Logan County) – $12,600
The OAC continues its decade-long commitment to providing arts funding in all 88 Ohio counties.
With this new round of funding, the Council reaffirms its mission to expand arts access, support cultural innovation, and enhance community vitality across the state.
For more details, visit oac.ohio.gov.
