The Ohio Arts Council Board has approved optional two-year funding for operating and project support applicants for the 1998/99 biennium, which begins July 1, 1997. The Board made that move after a survey showed most Ohio arts organizations want to continue to receive general support, and in response to pressures to reduce OAC administrative costs. Any organization that plans to request Ohio Arts Council funding for two years instead of one must be eligible to apply for operating support or project support in the Support for Organizations categories listed on pages 27-48 of the OAC Guidelines. Arts administrators should read the appropriate section for their program discipline on pages 27-48, 68-70 and 80-81 of the Guidelines. Any organization requesting two-year funding must submit appropriate support materials, a copy of its most recent comprehensive organizational and artistic plan; a description of its planning process; plans for the second year for any festival, exhibition, publication, local arts in education project or other project for which it seeks funding. A budget breakout is requested for the period between July 1, 1997 and June 30, 1998. If a review panel recommends two-year funding for an organization and the Council Board approves it, OAC staff will request a budget for the second year. In spring 1998, the OAC will ask organizations that were recommended for two-year funding to make any necessary changes in their grant agreements to accurately reflect the second year of activities. The arts council strongly urges all applicants to send a draft at least six weeks before their deadlines. Anyone who has questions about that process may call the appropriate OAC program coordinator at 614/ 466-2613 before they submit a draft application.