• Is ORBI an organization?
• Why is ORBI an "initiative" when it is almost seven years old?
• Are ORBI's programs limited to a particular geographical area? 
• How can I apply for an ORBI grant?
• What are my chances of receiving an ORBI grant?
• Is the grant application complicated?
• Does ORBI make grants to individual artists and craftspeople?
• Does ORBI provide more than just money?

The Ohio River Border Initiative has no formal organizational structure. ORBI is a joint program of the state arts agencies of West Virginia and Ohio.  The Initiative has one staff person, Bill Howley, the project director. Artsbridge, Inc., in Parkersburg, West Virginia, is the fiscal agent for ORBI and graciously handles all the Initiative's accounting and administrative work. 

Why is ORBI an "initiative" when it is more than twelve years old?

ORBI is still an experiment. The West Virginia Commission on the Arts and the Ohio Arts Council have not imposed any blueprint or timetable on ORBI's development. ORBI will be whatever you want or need it to be. 

Are ORBI's programs limited to a particular geographical area?

Yes. You may participate in ORBI programs if you live in, or your group serves, or your project involves, the following counties: 

in West Virginia -

Wayne, Cabell, Mason, Jackson, Wood, Pleasants, Tyler, Wetzel, Marshall, Ohio, Brooke, Hancock , and 

in Ohio -

Lawrence, Gallia, Meigs, Athens, Washington, Monroe, Belmont, Jefferson, Columbiana. 

to see a map of the counties in the ORBI region.

How can I apply for an ORBI grant?

The project director mails approximately 1000 reminders about ORBI's annual grant program to artists and arts groups in the ORBI region every December. If you are not on ORBI's mailing list, call ORBI at 304-655-8255 for an application before December. The grant deadline is on or about February 1 every year. You will be notified of the grant award by the end of March.  ORBI has other grants and services as well.  Check the News page for descriptions of these grants and services.

What are my chances of receiving an ORBI grant in the annual program?

There are usually 15 to 25 applicants every year. Last year, 12 grants were awarded. 

Is the grant application complicated?

ORBI's grant application is very simple. It consists of a series of questions about you and your project.  You answer the questions and fill in the budget form.  You may attach up to five pages of supporting material such as: a description of your group, your professional resume if you are an artist, letters of support from groups or artists who are working with you, or resumes of artists who will be working with your project. 

Does ORBI make grants to individual artists and craftspeople?

ORBI's Artist Fast Track grant program provides grants of up to $500 for master classes, conferences, workshops, and equipment that will have a direct impact on the quality and scope of your work as an artist or craftsperson.  This program is open only to individuals who can demonstrate professional standing in their field.

Does ORBI provide more than just money?

ORBI has sponsored at least one workshop per year on topics such as Internet skills, cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  The best way to find out about ORBI workshops is to get on the ORBI mailing list and to check this Web site often.

ORBI also provides assistance to communities considering mural projects.  ORBI provides a day's consultation with the ORBI Mural Team to help provide you with skills and information about planning, funding and creating your community mural.  This service is provided free of charge to communities in the ORBI region.