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Now Accepting 2026 Peter Capell Award Applications from Ohio Arts Leaders

by Arts Midwest

A one-time award of $2,500 will honor a Ohioan who has made a significant impact on their arts community.

Arts Midwest is now accepting applications for the 2026 Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship, which will recognize a leader from Ohio’s arts community.

This one-time $2,500 award honors an individual whose work demonstrates entrepreneurial thinking and business acumen in the creative sector. Each year, it rotates among Arts Midwest’s nine member states to celebrate individuals whose vision and business acumen fuel the creative sector.

If you’ve been working in Ohio’s creative or cultural field for at least 10 years, this award might be for you! We are seeking individuals who embody Arts Midwest’s core values of togetherness, integrity, and learning, who find innovative solutions, and foster creative partnerships to increase access to the arts.

If you know someone who fits this description (or see yourself in it!) submit an application by October 6, 2026.

Overview

  • What is the Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship?

    A one-time $2,500 award. In 2026, it will honor a creative leader in Ohio.

  • Who can apply?

    Ohioans who work in creative or cultural programming, demonstrate entrepreneurial thinking and business acumen in their role, and have at least ten years of experience in the field.

  • Where from?

    Nominees must live and/or work in Ohio, with their primary impact taking place within the state.

  • When are applications due?

    Noon (12 pm) ET on Tuesday, October 6, with an awardee being announced at the end of November.

Anyone may submit an application via our grants portal, SmartSimple. First time users of SmartSimple will need to register in the category of Individuals. Get instructions here on how to register in SmartSimple.  

About the Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship

Our award namesake Peter Capell served on the Arts Midwest Board of Directors for 23 years and served as Board Chair from 2012 until 2021.

During his time as Chair, he led Arts Midwest through the creation and launch of new national programs like Creating Connection; the development of Arts Midwest’s first major giving campaign; and a founder leadership transition. He is a passionate advocate for creativity and entrepreneurialism, a markedly generous philanthropist, and is deeply committed to strengthening and celebrating the Midwest creative sector.

In honor of Peter’s contributions to Arts Midwest and Midwestern creativity, the Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship was established as a time-limited award, running for nine years beginning in 2022.

Read the 2026 Application Guidelines

Learn more about the Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship, eligibility requirements, and how to submit your application.

Learn More

Two people moving their bodies outdoors on a grassy field.
Photo Credit: Mario Hensley

Meet Past Awardees

Questions about the Peter Capell Award?

If you have questions about the Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship, please reach out to our team.

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