OHIO ARTISTS ON TOUR DIRECTORY

PROFESSIONAL TOURING ROSTER OF OHIO ARTISTS

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 and region. The Ohio Artists on Tour fee support program enables Ohio’s presenting organizations to tap into the creative potential of these artists in order to enrich their programming and the vitality of their communities. The artists who are supported through the fee support program are drawn from the Ohio Artists on Tour Directory, a listing of individuals and companies who have gone through a screening process to qualify for participation. Artists in the directory demonstrate exceptional artistic quality, readiness to tour and offer a range of services that may be used to reach diverse elements of rural and urban audiences.

Application Deadline: Rolling deadline

• What the Program Supports
• Who May Apply
• How to Apply
• Review Criteria

WHAT THE PROGRAM SUPPORTS

The Ohio Artists on Tour fee support program provides grants to presenting institutions throughout Ohio that present artists listed in the Ohio Artists on Tour Directory. Individual performing artists and ensembles may apply for inclusion in the directory, giving them the opportunity to conduct performances, workshops and outreach activities sponsored by these presenting organizations. The artist or ensemble must conduct at least one outreach activity (e.g., master class, lecture/demonstration, school performance, workshop, etc.) in the community, and all performances must be marketed to the general public

Planning, negotiating and contracting for artists included in the directory are the same as those for any engagement. Presenters must submit a fully executed contract for each artist or ensemble for which they are seeking fee support, including the dates of engagement, contracted fee, number of performances and a description of outreach activities. The contract must be signed and dated by the presenter and the artist (or artist management). Contracts may be submitted after November 1 and are due no later than May 15 to be eligible for fee support.

Grant Awards
Artists in the Ohio Artists on Tour Directory do not receive funds directly from the OAC. Fee support is awarded to presenters who use these funds to pay one-third of the artist fee.

WHO MAY APPLY

HOW TO APPLY

Please refer to the Grant Process for Artists section of the OAC Guidelines for a step-by-step guide to the entire process of applying for and managing an OAC grant.

Application Basics
The artist application for the Ohio Artists on Tour Directory program is NOT part of the OAC’s OnLine Grant Application system (OLGA). Artists must submit an electronic application using the Ohio Artists on Tour Directory Application Form to apply to this program.

Although the OAC does not accept draft applications from artists, the OAC staff will answer any application questions prior to the deadline. Applications for inclusion in the directory may take up to six weeks to process. If accepted to the directory, the artist or artist’s representative is expected to provide an effective marketing plan to maximize touring possibilities and should not rely solely on the Ohio Artists on Tour Directory to promote his or her work.

Support Materials
To submit an application to this program, applicants must submit a signed signature page and one complete set of support materials to the OAC in addition to the electronic application. You will be notified by email when your application is received. Applications that do not include support materials will not be reviewed.

Support materials should include:

1. Checklist of all included materials (indicate materials available electronically)
2. Copy of performance contract and technical requirements
3. Artist website address and/or marketing/press kit including the following:
• Up to three reviews of past performances (must be less than three years old)
• Description of residency and/or outreach activities
• One or more promotional photographs
• Brochure
Artist biographies
• One set of audio or video materials (must be less than two years old); please include audiovisual screening notes.
• The following documentation of Ohio residency for individual artists and groups of up to eight performers: each person should supply a photocopy of his or her Ohio Driver’s License or state ID (do not include Social Security numbers); a notarized statement signed by all members verifying Ohio as their primary residence; OR a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Secretary of State.

Support material samples of artistic work from artists accepted for inclusion in the Ohio Artists on Tour Directory will be kept by the OAC as a permanent record unless other arrangements are made. Materials from artists not selected for the program will be returned if a self-addressed stamped mailer is sent; if not, support materials will be kept for one year and then discarded.

Evaluation
A panel of OAC staff members evaluates Ohio Artists on Tour Directory applications and support materials. These reviews are not open to the public; however, program coordinators will share any panel comments about the application to the individual or organization if requested.

At the panel meeting, an evaluative discussion will take place for each application. Following the review, each application will be scored based on how well the organization meets the review criteria. This score will be presented to the OAC executive director and deputy director for their review and approval.

Review Criteria
A competitive application will be reviewed on how well it meets these criteria:

• Applicant’s credentials and references are strong.
• Applicant’s artistic and cultural activities are strengthened by qualified personnel.
• Applicant’s past touring history demonstrates touring capabilities.
• Applicant includes adequate descriptions of available outreach activities.
• Applicant has high quality promotional materials for his or her work that is available for presenters to use in promoting their events.
• Current and complete information is available on applicant’s website.