Local Artist
Opportunities
Open Call:
Local Creatives for the Winter Market Pop-up Experience
The Columbus Area Arts Council (CAAC) is seeking artists, makers, and creative experimenters to help us shape a small-world experience within the Arts Council’s curated booths at S.E.A.R.S. – the new downtown winter market.
We’re creating an immersive and curious environment that invites visitors to step inside, create, and experience art. We’re looking for artists to lead guided art-making, skill-sharing or demonstration, or any activity that invites creative engagement. Ideas include but are not limited to:
✨Printmaking
✨Drawing and painting
✨Mosaic, sculpture or collage
✨Fiber arts: crochet, cross stitch, macrame
✨Jewelry making
Eligibility
Age 18+. Collaborative proposals welcome. Preference given to artists based in Bartholomew County. Regional artists are also welcome to apply.
Scope of Work
Selected artists will design and lead an interactive component or demonstration within the immersive art space at the downtown winter market. Each project should invite visitor engagement, must be feasible with electricity only (no running water), and be designed to minimize mess, maintenance, and clean-up needs.
Artists must be willing to commit to two market dates. The market runs every other Saturday, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm, from December 20, 2025 through February 14, 2026 (see full list in form), with potential extension if the market continues.
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Compensation
Selected artists will receive a stipend of $250 per market participation. Artists will retain 100% of proceeds for revenue-generating components such as paid sessions or make-and-take activities (artists are responsible for sales management, i.e. Venmo, Square, etc).
Timeline
November 30: Application deadline
December 5: Selected artists notified
December 20–February 14: Activation
Past Opportunities
Check back for artist opportunities. We update this page often.
Open Call Competition: Paint 3D Printed Chuck Taylor Shoes
In partnership with Bartholomew County Historical Society and Columbus Propeller
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Two $50 awards given to outstanding work
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Open Call Competition: "We Stand With Our Immigrant Neighbors" Yard Signs
In partnership with First Presbyterian Church
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$300 honorarium to the winning artist, plus two $75 honorable mention awards
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Heritage Fund presents
Patrick Bowman Memorial Music Fund
Up to $750 Scholarship Applied Toward Tuition & Qualified Educational Expenses
Applications Open October 1. The deadline is December 31, 2025 at 4:00 pm
Whether you're pursuing tuition, sharpening your craft through lessons, upgrading your gear, hitting the road, or recording your next hit, this fund is here to fuel your passion.
What could be covered?
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Songwriting & music lessons
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Equipment & Instruments
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Travel for gigs or training
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Recording studio fees
The Patrick Bowman fund is held at Heritage Fund. It was established in memory of Patrick by his parents, Rick and Judy Bowman, as well as family and friends, to honor Patrick’s love of music. Patrick performed as a country music singer and songwriter under the stage name “Tilford Sellers” for nearly 10 years until his tragic death in an automobile accident in 2018. This fund may be used for tuition and/or music-related expenses such as music/songwriting lessons, equipment, travel, recording fees, etc.
CRITERIA: U.S. resident up to age 35 who is pursuing an education or career in music. Preference will be given to guitar players, songwriters and/or country music performers whose music most closely aligns with Patrick’s style of traditional country music.
Heritage Fund
Arts Scholarships for Graduating Seniors
Begin accepting applications: October 1, 2025
Application Deadline: January 30, 2026, 4pm
Ann Ward Fine Arts Scholarship more...
Scholarship amount: $5,000
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Philip R. Miller Scholarship for the Visual Arts more...
Scholarship amount: $4,000–5,000
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Jennifer Strietelmeier Memorial Scholarship more...
Scholarship amount: $100–500
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Resource
ZAPP® enables individual artists to apply online to multiple art shows through one central website. It is free for Artists and includes local, regional, and even national opportunities.
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Check it out: www.zapplication.org