The Department of Cultural Affairs awards grants for services related to the production, creation, presentation, exhibi-
tion and managerial support of artistic cultural services within the City of Los Angeles.

What kinds of opportunities are available?

Organizational Grants

The Cultural Affairs Department offers grants to non-profit, arts-specific agencies such as museums, theaters, dance companies, etc. These awards support artistic production, audience outreach and arts education, as well as assist entry-level organizations with business plans for growth and stability. Applicant organizations must be based in Los Angeles County, with 501(c)3 status and at least one year of programming by the time of application. Proposed projects must occur in Los Angeles City. An organization's most recently completed fiscal year budget will determine the category (Large Budget, Mid-Size, Small, or Entry-Level) in which it may apply. Entry-Level organizational grants are accepted throughout the year and processed quarterly on July 1, October 1, February 1, and April 1. For submission deadlines, click here

Outdoor Festivals and Parades Grants

The Cultural Affairs Department offers support to partnerships between non-profit community organizations (chambers of commerce, social service centers, etc.) and professional producers (non-profit arts organizations or independent event producers) for the production of outdoor artistic/cultural festivals, fairs, and parades which take place at one site or in one geographic area for one or two days. Outdoor Festival and Parade awards generally support marketing costs and artists fees in order to foster accessibility, cultural diversity, and geographic equity. Non-profit organizations based in Los Angeles County who have at least one year of experience presenting the proposed event to the public may apply. For submission deadlines, click here.

Artists-In-Residence Grants

The Artist-In-Residence program offers individual artists an opportunity to design and implement one participatory art program with a target audience at a community organization or a site that is not traditionally focused on arts programming. These awards are intended to foster new friendships, new skills, or new appreciation of the arts. The dual nature of the projects proposed in this category foster the employment of artists as creative resources in non-traditional places and position the arts as a vital part of neighborhood improvement and community dialogue. Applicants should be residents of Los Angeles County, should have a minimum of three years experience in their field (dance, design, media, literary arts, music, theater, traditional/folk arts or visual arts), and propose projects that will occur within the City of Los Angeles. For submission deadlines, click here

City of Los Angeles (C.O.L.A.) Individual Artist Fellowships

The prestigious City of Los Angeles (C.O.L.A.) Fellowships honor a selection of the best of Los Angeles contemporary arts. These awards allow very accomplished artists to focus on creating new works. Meanwhile, the Cultural Affairs Department collaborates with community partners to organize a museum exhibition, a performing arts showcase, and publish an illustrated catalog that promote the new work by these artists and distinguish Los Angeles as a major center of creative activity in the United States. Eligible artists must reside in Los Angeles County and demonstrate an active exhibition and/or production record of at least 15 years. For submission deadlines, click here.

How do I get a copy of the guidelines and applications?

The Cultural Affairs Department distributes its guidelines and applications through City of Los Angeles Branch Libraries, City Hall, and Council District field offices. Anyone may visit these locations to pick up a copy of the booklet. Call first to make sure copies are available. Finally, you may have a copy sent to you by sending us a self-addressed stamped envelope no smaller than 9"x12" with $2 postage to: Request for Application, Grants Division, Cultural Affairs Department, 201 North Figueroa Street, 14th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Please specify whether you are requesting an application for Organizational Grants, Festival Grants, or Individual Artist Grants. The guidelines are also available as Adobe PDFs on this web site.

Can anyone help me fill out the application?

Yes! The Grants Program staff offers free instructional workshops on how to fill out Cultural Affairs Department grant applications. These workshops are offered in every council district at easily accessible locations. Days and times vary. The staff can also refer interested parties to local technical assistance providers who offer professional grant writing courses. To find out more, call the grants staff at the number below.

Whom do I contact if I have any questions?

The Grants Program staff is available to answer your questions. We can be reached by telephone at 213.202.5566, by fax 213.202.5515, or by email at dca.grants@lacity.org