Arts Funding

The mission of the Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) is to enhance the vitality of the city and the quality of life for all Columbia citizens by creating an environment wherein artists and cultural organizations can thrive, and fostering opportunities for creative expression and the preservation and celebration of the city’s multi-cultural heritage.

Annual Arts Funding Process

The City of Columbia Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) provides annual funding support to the arts. By contracting with local 501c3 arts organizations to provide high quality arts services and programming in the community, the OCA serves the general public, artists and arts agencies. The OCA’s Commission on Cultural Affairs assists in the process by evaluating requests and recommending funding levels. The City Council finalizes allocations.

MISSION: The City of Columbia's arts funding program nurtures new and existing arts organizations thereby bringing greater appreciation for all art forms to Columbia's diverse populations.
-adopted October 2001

Please note...this is not a grant program. Allocations of city dollars represent the purchasing or contracting of services from arts organizations. As such, the reach of the OCA into the community is extended and programs of local arts organizations are enhanced with additional dollars.

Other Funding Opportunities...The OCA provides year-round opportunities for arts organizations to apply for support. Small Requests are accepted quarterly and provide up to $500 to arts projects. Basic eligibility is similar to the annual process (see eligibility). If a project is funded in the annual funding cycle, however, components of it are not eligible to be considered for a Small Request. Proposed projects should be innovative, unique and, in most cases, one-time opportunities. In general, already established projects held regularly are not likely to be funded for a Small Request. Contact us for more information and the application or access the Small Request application information here.

Reasonable Requests...City arts funding is limited and is allocated in a competitive process. In fiscal year 2011, a total of $96,000 is going to support 18 agencies and their projects. Requests ranged from $1,490 to $10,000 with the average award $5,333. Contact us for statistical information on awards made in previous fiscal years. Organizations are encouraged to use this information in developing reasonable requests. Requests may not exceed $10,000; project budgets of less than $1,000 are not accepted.

Collaborations, Partnerships and Working with Schools & Other Groups...Collaborations and partnerships are encouraged. Collaborators play a significant role in the planning and implementation of the proposed project(s). Partners are involved to a lesser degree, perhaps as a sponsor or special venue. In either case, a not-for-profit arts organization must serve as the lead agency. Signatures must be obtained from all collaborators (see first page of application form). A school or other group simply attending a performance or event does not constitute a collaboration or partnership. If their participation is detailed in your narrative, however, confirmation from the school(s) or group(s) that they have been contacted and plan to participate must be provided with your application (see Preparing an Application, item J).

Contact the OCA for an application or use the below-listed resources, including the online form, to apply. Applications in a suitable format for persons with disabilities are available upon request.