Recipients of The Arts Commission’s Accelerator Grant Program Announced; Cycle 2 Open Now

Daily Dose  |  08/18/2026 10:45 am

The Arts Commission is pleased to announce the first round of Accelerator Grant program recipients for 2026! 

The Accelerator Grant is a competitive micro-grant program intended to address immediate needs of Toledo area artists by offering financial support for local Emerging and Hobbyist artists to advance their creative projects and pursue artistic growth.

The Arts Commission values the many artists across disciplines who are part of Toledo's vibrant creative community and aims to support the advancement of the community through artist granting programs. Over 25 artists were awarded an Accelerator Grant in 2025. 

Cycle 1 received 34 eligible applications, which were reviewed by a panel of local artists, arts professionals, and board members who then made funding recommendations for 15 artists. Of the artists awarded, 13 are first-time grantees of The Arts Commission.

Cycle 1 Grant Recipients are:

• Somica Alexander, multidisciplinary artist
• Megan Yasu Davis, musician
• Emma Freeman, filmmaker
• Brianna Gluszak, glass artist
• Lee Harms, glass artist
• Laura Hinkle, visual artist
• Eli Kan, glass artist
• Joshua Keidan, performing artist
• Justin Longacre, musician
• Jelani Maliik, musician
• Kayla Renee McCraney, musician
• Cody Mohr, glass artist
• Yvette Perry, multidisciplinary artist 
• Ben Stalets, musician
• Sarah J. Vanni, visual artist

Multidisciplinary artist Yvette Perry shared how the award will impact her as an artist, “This Accelerator Grant funding will contribute greatly to the identity shift I’ve been engaged in for three years: transforming from ‘hobbyist’ to Artist. I’ll use the professional equipment purchased as a result of this funding to complete a series of interdisciplinary projects integrating analog paper arts (e.g.,zine-making, bookbinding, printmaking, photography, collage) with in-person and digital community collaboration.”

Cycle 2 Applications are currently open through Tuesday, August 25 at 12pm. This is the last opportunity for artists to apply for an Accelerator Grant in 2026. 

Eligible categories of support include: equipment, supplies, professional development, and project support. Grant amounts are not to exceed $1,000. Individual artists and artist collectives with a residence or a creative studio within 30 miles of downtown Toledo may be eligible. 

For musician Kayla Renee, receiving this grant is “an investment not only in my art, but in the community it serves. It gives me the opportunity to create a healing atmosphere through music, storytelling, and connection—inviting audiences to slow down, be present, and leave feeling restored.”

Applicants are encouraged to apply to all cycles until they receive a grant award.

Grant guidelines and the application link can be found on The Arts Commission’s website. 

Learn more about the Accelerator Grant Program and find information on past recipients by visiting https://theartscommission.org/artists/accelerator-grants 

The Arts Commission Accelerator Grants are made possible through support from the Ohio Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, and other generous supporters.

About The Arts Commission
The Arts Commission is the longest standing arts commission in the state of Ohio, founded in 1959, administering the City of Toledo’s One Percent for Art Program since 1977. The Arts Commission is supported in part by the Ohio Arts Council and by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.