ACADEMY OF SPECIAL DREAMS FOUNDATION

Grants
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Recent Grants Search
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Grantee Map
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Programs Evaluation Plan
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SmartSimple is the California Arts Council’s online application portal and grants management system.
Collective
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Learning Center
Why the arts?
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DREAM Magazine
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Programs
Arts in California Parks
Arts in California Parks helps to nourish, educate, and inspire individuals and communities.

Arts in Corrections
A partnership with the CA Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, designed to have a positive impact on the social and emotional well-being of people experiencing incarceration. www.artsincorrections.org

California Creative Corps
A media, outreach, and engagement pilot program designed to support communities statewide following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Creative Economy of California
Building a resilient future for California’s creative economy.

California Cultural Districts
Highlighting some of the thriving cultural diversity and unique artistic identities within local communities across the state. www.caculturaldistricts.org

Poetry Out Loud
Igniting student potential through the power of poetry. An initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts, administered statewide by the California Arts Council. www.capoetryoutloud.org

California Poet Laureate
The Governor’s advocate for the art of poetry. Visit www.capoetlaureate.org.

California Teen Poet Laureate
COMING SOON: State legislation supports the development of the state’s first Youth Poet Laureate program.

Individual Artists Fellowship
Through a network of regionally based Administering Organizations, the Individual Artists Fellowship program will continue to recognize, uplift, and celebrate the excellence of California artists practicing any art form.
About
About Us
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Racial Equity Statement
We believe that racial injustice is the most pervasive and entrenched form of injustice permeating the institutions and structures that everyone must access. Read our Racial Equity Statement.

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Support the Arts
Donate
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Keep Arts in Schools Fund
Support creativity in California’s classrooms by donating to the Keep Arts in Schools Voluntary Contribution Fund on your state tax return.

Arts License Plate
Proceeds from the California Arts Plate support arts programming across California.

Grantee Database

Grant Year

2025-26

Grant Program

Impact Projects

Award Amount

$21,000.00

Project Description

With support from the California Arts Council, ACADEMY OF SPECIAL DREAMS FOUNDATION will present an inclusive art exhibition celebrating traditional Indigenous embroidery and textile arts. Featuring artists with disabilities from California and beyond, the project uplifts cultural heritage, promotes disability inclusion, and showcases the resilience of underrepresented voices through art rooted in tradition.

Organization Summary

The Academy of Special Dreams Foundation is dedicated to promoting the creative talents of people with disabilities. To achieve this mission, the foundation employs three key strategies:

Encouraging artistic expression through open-call competitions: The foundation organizes and administers competitions that invite individuals with special needs to showcase their artistic talents through various artistic mediums.

Providing financial support for artists with disabilities: The foundation offers scholarships, cash awards, and other forms of financial support to artists with disabilities, in order to promote their continued involvement in the arts.

Showcasing artistic expressions: The foundation hosts art exhibitions in the community, as well as web-based virtual galleries and exhibitions and produces videos that highlight the works of artists with disabilities. Additionally, the foundation offers an art therapy program to promote mental health.

Organization