California Arts Council

Grants Workshop: San Juan Bautista
2025-05-13 17:30 - 19:00 UTC
Creativity is more than expression. Creativity is transformation. Creativity has the power to redefine possibilities. In celebrating and supporting the arts, we honor creativity as a force woven into the fabric of every Californian’s life.
Learn how to apply for state arts funding! Join us on Tuesday, May 13, at 5:30 p.m. for our free grants workshop. CAC Arts Program Specialists will provide an overview of our grant programs for 2025, sharing tips and insights into the state grant process, and guiding prospective applicants in best practices for putting together a successful application. The workshop agenda and location are provided below:
Workshop Agenda

A quick look at the California Arts Council and our grant cycle
General CAC Eligibility
Grant Programs
Guideline Elements
Applications Elements
Grant Writing Tips
Grant Writing Exercise
Common Questions
Attend Questions

Workshop Information
Venue: El Teatro Campesino
Address: 705 4th St.
San Juan Bautista, CA 95045
Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Register here: https://forms.office.com/g/nzjhv0RSB5

Office Hours: Technical Assistance for the Grant Application System and CAC Website
2025-05-14 12:00 - 13:00
Join California Arts Council Program Specialist Yaquelin Ruiz on Wednesday, May 14 at 12 p.m. as she answers general questions regarding the Grant Application System and CAC Website.
Office hours are structured to be a ” drop – in” format. Audience members are welcome to join and exit as needed. To register for 5/14 at 12 p.m., click here.
To review all available grant information including eligibility requirements and grant timelines please visit the following websites:
CAC Grant Programs webpage: https://arts.ca.gov/grants/grant-programs/
Grant Application System: https://calartscouncil.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp

Grants Workshop: Oxnard
2025-05-14 17:30 - 19:00
Learn how to apply for state arts funding! Join us on Thursday, May 14, at 5:30 p.m. for our free grants workshop. CAC Arts Program Specialists will provide an overview of our grant programs for 2025, sharing tips and insights into the state grant process, and guiding prospective applicants in best practices for putting together a successful application. The workshop agenda and location are provided below:
Workshop Agenda

A quick look at the California Arts Council and our grant cycle
General CAC Eligibility
Grant Programs
Guideline Elements
Applications Elements
Grant Writing Tips
Grant Writing Exercise
Common Questions
Attend Questions

Workshop Information
Venue: Oxnard Performing Arts Center
Address: 800 Hobson Way
Oxnard CA, 93030
Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Register here: https://forms.office.com/g/58YH08Y9BX

Grants Workshop: Merced
2025-05-14 17:30 - 19:00
Creativity is more than expression. Creativity is transformation. Creativity has the power to redefine possibilities. In celebrating and supporting the arts, we honor creativity as a force woven into the fabric of every Californian’s life.

Learn how to apply for state arts funding! Join us on Wednesday, May 14, at 5:30 p.m. for our free grants workshop. CAC Arts Program Specialists will provide an overview of our grant programs for 2025, sharing tips and insights into the state grant process, and guiding prospective applicants in best practices for putting together a successful application. The workshop agenda and location are provided below:
Workshop Agenda

A quick look at the California Arts Council and our grant cycle
General CAC Eligibility
Grant Programs
Guideline Elements
Applications Elements
Grant Writing Tips
Grant Writing Exercise
Common Questions
Attend Questions

Workshop Information
Venue: Merced County Arts Council (The Mac)
Address: 645 W. Main St.
Merced, CA 95340
Date: Wednesday, May 14
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Register here: https://forms.office.com/g/3qmA7qgjQE

Office Hours: AO - Folk and Traditional Arts
2025-05-19 14:00 - 15:00
Join California Arts Council Program Specialist Arielle Rubin on Monday, May 19 at 2 p.m. as she answers general questions regarding the Administering Organization Folk and Traditional Arts (FTA) grant.
Office hours are structured to be a ” drop – in” format. Audience members are welcome to join and exit as needed. To register for 5/19 at 2 p.m., click here.
To review all available grant information, including eligibility requirements and grant timelines, please visit the Administering Organization Folk and Traditional Arts website: https://arts.ca.gov/grant_program/folk-and-traditional-arts.

Office Hours: AO - Individual Artists Fellowship
2025-05-27 10:00 - 23:00
Join California Arts Council Program Specialist Gabrielle Rosado on Tuesday, May 27 at 10 a.m. as she answers general questions regarding the Administering Organization – Individual Artist Fellowship (IAF) grant.
Office hours are structured to be a ” drop – in” format. Audience members are welcome to join and exit as needed. To register for 5/27 at 10 a.m., click here.
To review all available grant information, including eligibility requirements and grant timelines, please visit the IAF website: https://arts.ca.gov/grant_program/individual-artists-fellowship

Office Hours: Impact Projects
2025-05-27 11:00 - 12:00
Join California Arts Council Program Specialist Natalie Peeples on Tuesday, May 27 at 11 a.m. as she answers general questions regarding the Impact Projects (PRJ) grant.
Office hours are structured to be a ” drop – in” format. Audience members are welcome to join and exit as needed. To register for 5/27 at 11 a.m., click here.
To review all available grant information, including eligibility requirements and grant timelines, please visit the Impact Projects website: https://arts.ca.gov/grant_program/impact-projects/

Office Hours: General Operating Support
2025-05-27 12:00 - 13:00
Join California Arts Council Program Specialist Leslie Giovanini on Tuesday, May 27 at 12 p.m. as she answers general questions regarding the General Operating Support (GEN) grant.
Office hours are structured to be a ” drop – in” format. Audience members are welcome to join and exit as needed. To register for 5/27 at 12 p.m., click here.
To review all available grant information, including eligibility requirements and grant timelines, please visit the General Operating Support (GEN) website: https://arts.ca.gov/grant_program/arts-cultural-organizations-general-operating-support.

Office Hours: Arts and Youth
2025-05-27 13:00 - 14:00
Join California Arts Council Program Specialist Emily Taggart on Tuesday, May 27 at 1 p.m. as she answers general questions regarding the Arts and Youth (AAY) grant.
Office hours are structured to be a ” drop – in” format. Audience members are welcome to join and exit as needed. To register for 5/27 at 1 p.m., click here.
To review all available grant information, including eligibility requirements and grant timelines, please visit the Arts and Youth website: https://arts.ca.gov/grant_program/arts-youth.

Office Hours: State-Local Partners/ SLP Mentorship
2025-05-27 15:00 - 16:00
Join California Arts Council Program Specialist Jonathan Estrada on Tuesday, May 27 at 3 p.m. as he answers general questions regarding the State-Local Partners/ SLP Mentorship (SLP/SLP-M) grants.
Office hours are structured to be a ” drop – in” format. Audience members are welcome to join and exit as needed. To register for 5/27 at 3 p.m., click here.
To review all available grant information, including eligibility requirements and grant timelines, please visit the following websites:
State-Local Partners: https://arts.ca.gov/grant_program/state-local-partners
SLP Mentorship: https://arts.ca.gov/grant_program/state-local-partner-mentorship

2025 Grant Applications Due
2025-06-05

Council Meeting - San Diego
2025-06-20
The Council meeting agenda for June 20, 2025 will be available at least 10 days prior to the meeting.
For more information about Council meetings, including the agenda, Council book, or meeting locations, visit https://arts.ca.gov/about/council-meetings.

Office Hours: CA Cultural Districts
2025-06-23 16:00 - 17:00
Join California Arts Council program staff on Monday, June 23 at 4 p.m. for a one-hour session as they answer general questions regarding 2025 Cultural Districts (CD) grant program. Office hours are structured to be a ” drop – in” format. Audience members are welcome to join and exit as needed, registration is not required. Click here to join session

The schedule for the 2025 Cultural District office hours is below:

Friday, July 11, 2025
12-1 PM
Click here to join session

Monday, July 21, 2025
12-1 PM
Click here to join session

Monday, August 4, 2025
4-5 PM
Click here to join session

Office Hours: CA Cultural Districts
2025-07-11 12:00 - 13:00
Join California Arts Council program staff on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 12 p.m. for a one-hour session as they answer general questions regarding 2025 Cultural Districts (CD) grant program. Office hours are structured to be a ” drop – in” format. Audience members are welcome to join and exit as needed, registration is not required. Click here to join session

The schedule for the 2025 Cultural District office hours is below:

Monday, July 21, 2025
12-1 PM
Click here to join session

Monday, August 4, 2025
4-5 PM
Click here to join session

Office Hours: CA Cultural Districts
2025-08-04 16:00 - 17:00
Join California Arts Council program staff on Monday, August 4, 2025 at 4 p.m. for the last one-hour session as they answer general questions regarding 2025 Cultural Districts (CD) grant program. Office hours are structured to be a ” drop – in” format. Audience members are welcome to join and exit as needed, registration is not required. Click here to join session

Council Meeting - San Francisco
2025-09-26 08:00 - 16:00
The Council meeting agenda for September 26, 2025 will be available at least 10 days prior to the meeting.
For more information about Council meetings, including the agenda, Council book, or meeting locations, visit https://arts.ca.gov/about/council-meetings.

Council Meeting - San Bernardino
2025-10-24 10:00 - 16:00
The Council meeting agenda for October 24, 2025 will be available at least 10 days prior to the meeting.
For more information about Council meetings, including the agenda, Council book, or meeting locations, visit https://arts.ca.gov/about/council-meetings.

Maestro Larry Blank in Conversation
2025-12-09 19:00
Melodia Mariposa presents an inspiring free event with Maestro Larry Blank at Westerbeck Recital Hall, Pasadena City College, on December 9 at 7 PM. Enjoy stories from his legendary Broadway and Hollywood career, audience Q&A, and a book signing of his new memoir, I Was Playing Their Song. , https://www.instagram.com/melodiamariposa/

Tres Generaciones/Three Voices: From Invisibility to Visibility - The Rise of the Vasa in San Francisco
2025-12-11 19:00
RAMA Blueprints’ Tres Generacíones/3 Voices live podcast series is the 4th community discussion of the Tres Generaciones/Three Voices live podcast series. This discussion delves into the history and recent rise of the Pacific Islander or VASA community in San Francisco, as told by 3 pivotal community leaders, Patsy Tito, Gaynor Siataga, and Anna Mahina. The discussion highlights the importance of cultural responsibility, community engagement, and the ongoing fight for self-determination, extinguishing invisibility, decolonizing education, and emphasizing that success extends beyond academics to character, family, and community., https://www.instagram.com/ramablueprintssf/

Council Meeting - Sacramento
2025-12-12 10:00 - 16:00
The Council meeting agenda for December 12, 2025 will be available at least 10 days prior to the meeting.
For more information about Council meetings, including the agenda, Council book, or meeting locations, visit https://arts.ca.gov/about/council-meetings.

Harmony of the Holidays
2025-12-13 18:30
Join us for a festive concert featuring our Tuition-Free Music Ensembles!, facebook.com/lamusart, @LAMusArt Facebook

Holiday Concert
2025-12-18 19:00
Join Melodia Mariposa for its 4th Annual Holiday Concert on December 18, 2025, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Pasadena. Reception begins at 6 pm, concert at 7 pm. Maestro Larry Blank leads our All-Star Orchestra in festive favorites, beloved classics, and a few surprises. Admission is FREE., https://www.instagram.com/melodiamariposa/

Karen New Year Celebration
2025-12-27 10:00 - 17:00
Every year, Karen people from across the state travel to Oakland to celebrate the Karen New Year. This year marks the 2,765th anniversary of the Karen people’s historic migration to Burma over 2,700 years ago. The celebration will include a formal ceremony, musical performances, dances, and soccer tournaments—but most of all, an opportunity to enjoy traditional Karen food. Additionally, the Karen New Year will feature a panel session with artists from different sectors of art, including photography, literature, media/journalism, and performing arts. This will be a 30-minute Q&A session. We want the Karen New Year festival to be not only entertaining but also educational. Therefore, our approach is to host a live panel session during the KNY festival. We expect around 150-200 individuals in attendance (youth, children, adults, seniors, non-profit leaders, community partners, etc.) , https://www.instagram.com/cakarenyouth/

CA Creative Economy Town Hall: Rancho Cucamonga
2026-01-07 13:00 - 15:00 | West End Educational Service Center, 8265 Aspen Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, 91730, United States
CA Creative Economy Town Hall: Rancho Cucamonga
CA for the Arts, regional partner for Creative Economies in Action Statewide Engagement Tour, is partnering with the State Local Partner Arts Connection- Arts Council of San Bernardino County, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, and the Inland Empire Community Foundation to host a convening on the State’s first Creative Economy Strategic Plan.
At this convening, CA for the Arts will share the plan and collect your feedback and stories to inform a plan addendum to be submitted to the Governor’s Office and State Legislature in 2026. This convening is part of a statewide series introducing the Strategic Plan for Cultural Resilience, Economic Growth, and Global Leadership and gathering community input. Representatives from the Creative Economy Workgroup, the CAC, and local leaders will share updates, followed by Q&A and breakout discussions exploring the plan’s local impact.
Join us to help shape the future of California’s creative economy. Learn more at www.creativeeconomy.arts.ca.gov.
Where: West End Educational Service Center 8265
Aspen Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
When: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM PT

CA Creative Economy Town Hall: Watsonville
2026-01-10 10:00 - 13:30
Gather local insights on the CA Arts Council’s statewide Creative Economy Strategic Report | Inform an addendum with regional perspectives

Last year, a Creative Economy Workgroup (CEW) was convened to respond to a request for a Strategic Plan from the Legislature. Now that the workgroup has completed its meetings and the report is being finalized, the next phase of work is beginning. This includes:

Generating robust feedback and input for an addendum report that will be appended to the strategic plan
Gathering stories about initiatives and innovative practices that are having community and cultural impact
Developing additional tools and resources
“Road Testing” the CEW Strategic Plan Report

We will be holding two in-person town hall listening sessions for the Central Coast region, including San Benito, Santa Cruz, Monterey, SLO, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties, taking place in January 2026. The core goal of these is to gather feedback on the CEW report for the addendum and local insights to inform data/tools for field-building in Phase III of creative economy work. Additionally, the intention of this in-person space is to create more partnerships and understanding across sectors in communities to ensure that participants leave with meaningful takeaways and sustainable pathways toward strengthening the creative economy locally.
We will provide materials upon registration to help prep for the town halls–but our goal is to keep this as light a lift as possible while equipping you with the information you need to participate fully. Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you have questions. Light breakfast, coffee, and lunch will be provided.
These town halls are meant to be as inclusive as possible, welcoming many voices with different perspectives. We will also provide opportunities for feedback via a virtual town hall, as well as a community-wide survey that we hope will reach even more participants in the creative economy.
This event is cohosted by Arts Council for Monterey County, Arts Council Santa Cruz County, and San Benito County Arts Council
Where: Watsonville Center for the Arts
375 Main Street
Watsonville, CA 95076
When: January 10, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creative-economy-town-hall-listening-session-central-coast-tri-county-tickets-1680954583409

CA Creative Economy Town Hall: Redding
2026-01-13 09:00 - 12:00
Join the California Arts Council and Shasta County Arts Council as we take the new California Creative Economy initiative on tour!
We want to hear from those working in arts and culture – in both creative and “non-creative” roles — about what it will take to keep California the world leader in a thriving creative economy. Your input will shape policy, programs, and resources. We’ll also collect stories to share through the campaign.
Where: McConnell Foundation
800 Shasta View Drive
Redding, CA 96003
When: January 13, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScbZJvv1eV6gKpMS1g_mha2o0fTzJR4dHBWZfkyEJS_Ch1ltg/viewform

CA Creative Economy Town Hall: Vallejo
2026-01-14 14:00 - 16:00
CA Creative Economy Town Hall: Vallejo
CA for the Arts, regional partner for Creative Economies in Action Statewide Engagement Tour, is partnering with the State Local Partner Solano County Arts Council to host a convening on the State’s first Creative Economy Strategic Plan.
At this convening, CA for the Arts will share the plan and collect your feedback and stories to inform a plan addendum to be submitted to the Governor’s Office and State Legislature in 2026. This convening is part of a statewide series introducing the Strategic Plan for Cultural Resilience, Economic Growth, and Global Leadership and gathering community input. Representatives from the Creative Economy Workgroup, the CAC, and local leaders will share updates, followed by Q&A and breakout discussions exploring the plan’s local impact.
Join us to help shape the future of California’s creative economy. Learn more at www.creativeeconomy.arts.ca.gov.
Where: Solano County Arts Council
420 Virginia St # 1A
Vallejo, CA 94590
When: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Time: 2 PM – 4 PM
Register: https://secure.everyaction.com/fEFjiq1hdUy-U7YKPySWjg2

CA Creative Economy Town Hall: Huntington Beach
2026-01-14 15:00 - 17:00
CA Creative Economy Town Hall: Huntington Beach
CA for the Arts, regional partner for Creative Economies in Action Statewide Engagement Tour, is partnering with the State Local Partner Arts Orange County, and the Huntington Beach Arts Center to host a convening on the State’s first Creative Economy Strategic Plan.
At this convening, CA for the Arts will share the plan and collect your feedback and stories to inform a plan addendum to be submitted to the Governor’s Office and State Legislature in 2026. This convening is part of a statewide series introducing the Strategic Plan for Cultural Resilience, Economic Growth, and Global Leadership and gathering community input. Representatives from the Creative Economy Workgroup, the CAC, and local leaders will share updates, followed by Q&A and breakout discussions exploring the plan’s local impact.
Join us to help shape the future of California’s creative economy. Learn more at www.creativeeconomy.arts.ca.gov.
Where: Huntington Beach Art Center
538 Main St
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
When: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Time: 3 PM – 5 PM
Register: https://secure.everyaction.com/OEaAH8ka00KYsazMVNRh3g2

CA Creative Economy Town Hall: Riverside
2026-01-15 13:00 - 15:00
CA for the Arts, regional partner for Creative Economies in Action Statewide Engagement Tour, is partnering with the State Local Partner Riverside Arts Council to host a convening on the State’s first Creative Economy Strategic Plan.
At this convening, CA for the Arts will share the plan and collect your feedback and stories to inform a plan addendum to be submitted to the Governor’s Office and State Legislature in 2026. This convening is part of a statewide series introducing the Strategic Plan for Cultural Resilience, Economic Growth, and Global Leadership and gathering community input. Representatives from the Creative Economy Workgroup, the CAC, and local leaders will share updates, followed by Q&A and breakout discussions exploring the plan’s local impact.
Join us to help shape the future of California’s creative economy. Learn more at www.creativeeconomy.arts.ca.gov.
Where: The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art
3581 Mission Inn Ave
Riverside, CA 92501
When: Wednesday, January 15, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Register: http://secure.everyaction.com/15vy7pzNdE6-HcktISAcbw2

CA Creative Economy Town Hall: Eureka
2026-01-15 13:00 - 16:00
Join the California Arts Council and Redwood Region arts and culture organizations as we take the new California Creative Economy initiative on tour!
We want to hear from those working in arts and culture, from practicing artists to culture keepers to administrators to grassroots organizers to place making advocates (and so many others), about what it will take to keep California the leader in a thriving creative economy. Your input will shape policy, programs, and resources. We​ will hear from local leaders and you will have the opportunity to share your stories.
Where: Morris Graves Museum of Art
636 F Street
Eureka CA 95501
When: Thursday, January 15
Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfa7z_i-T4kFTPcaSKlu7jSEMfbZBoItMGtm8sy17gP__f5UA/viewform

This event is supported by the Shasta County Arts Council in collaboration with Humboldt Arts Council and the Ink People Center for Arts and Culture.

This event is not exclusively for residents of Humboldt County. Anyone engaged with the creative economy in the Redwood Region is invited to attend.
