The Arts Commission Seeks Local Artist Applicants for 2026 Merit Awards

Daily Dose  |  09/02/2026 3:00 pm

The Arts Commission is pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 Merit Award. This award celebrates outstanding work made in the last five years by local Established and Mid-career artists in the literary, performing, or visual arts. Awards encourage local artists to experiment and advance their careers by continuing to produce work that pushes the boundaries of their mediums.

Three $4,000 awards are granted so these exceptional artists can advance their artistic practice.

Recipients are selected by a panel of renowned artists and cultural leaders from around the Midwest, with a range of expertise across artistic disciplines. Eligible applicants will have a minimum of two consecutive years with either their creative studio or home within 30 miles of downtown Toledo, Ohio.

Applications are being accepted now through Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 11:59 pm.

When asked why she thinks local artists should apply for this award, 2025 recipient Ruth Foote said, “I had every reason to believe I shouldn't apply. It took the encouragement of one person to tip the scales. I was convinced I wasn't a likely candidate, but I decided it would be valuable practice. My advice to others is simple: apply. Even if you think you won't be selected, the process itself is worthwhile.”

Find more information about this opportunity including updates to the application at https://theartscommission.org/artists/merit-awards. 

In the past eight years this award has funded 35 prominent local artists. 

Reflecting on her 2025 Merit Award, Isabel Zeng said, “I had one of the most unique life experiences because of this award. I was able to join 14 international performance artists participating in a weeklong performance art event ‘Performancear o Morir’ (POM) this year in Norogachi, Mexico in April 2026. At the event, we explored the culture of the holy week ritualistic events of Raramuri, an indigenous group in Norogachi, and designed site-specific performances.”

The Merit Award program is made possible through support from the Ohio Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, and other generous supporters.

If you or someone you know is an established or mid-career artist with a creative studio or home located within 30 miles of downtown Toledo, Ohio, The Arts Commission encourages you to submit an application for a Merit Award by Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 11:59 pm.

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.