Contra Costa County

Grants
Grant Programs & Applications

Learn about state arts funding for organizations and individuals. Access current guidelines and applications.

Grant Resources

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Grant Applicant FAQs

Answers to some of the frequently asked questions about our current grant offerings.

Grant Panels

Learn about the critical role of peer review panelists in the grant application process and view resources for panelists.

Recent Grants Search

Searchable information about California Arts Council grant awards from 2010 to today.

Grantee Map

View an interactive map of recent California Arts Council grantees.

Programs Evaluation Plan

Learn about the CAC’s process with the consulting firms Scansion and WolfBrown to evaluate the agency’s portfolio of programs, assessing the effectiveness of our grantmaking and contract-based funding.

Online Application Portal

SmartSimple is the California Arts Council’s online application portal and grants management system.
Collective
Collective: Statewide Opportunities Resource

Browse opportunities such as jobs, internships, artist calls, grants, conferences, workshops, and more.

Collective: Organizational Profile Login

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Learning Center
Why the arts?

Arts and culture are essential to us all. Explore the benefits of the arts by topic.

Research & Reports

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Racial Equity Learning Resources

Access racial equity tools, research, and community learning resources.

CAC Publications & Reports

A collection of reports published by the California Arts Council.

Arts Glossary

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News
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Blog

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COVID-19 News & Resources

Find the latest COVID-19 announcements, including emergency funding opportunities, arts reopening resources, and state guidance.

DREAM Magazine

Voices and stories from across the state, sharing a glimpse into the depth of impact of creativity and cultural expression in a region as large and diverse as California.

Art News

Find relevant arts and culture stories from the local and national media and blogosphere.
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

Learn about our agency’s mission, vision, values. View our annual reports and a timeline of agency history. Find guidance on the California Public Records Act.

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.

Strategic Framework

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Council Members

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Staff

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Council Meetings

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Calendar

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Work With Us

Learn about employment and contracting opportunities at the California Arts Council.
Support the Arts
Donate

Your direct contribution to the California Arts Council is tax-deductible.

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

2017-18

Grant Program

Veterans in the Arts

Award Amount

$8,800.00

Project Description

With support from the California Arts Council, the Arts & Culture Commission of Contra Costa County (AC5) and the County Veterans Service Office will engage Veterans in artistic endeavors to gain confidence and enhance their creativity by creating self-portrait paintings. Veterans play an active role in determining their pathways to wellness! Portraits will be displayed in libraries throughout the County. Six painting workshops will be offered. Each workshop offers two, 3-hour painting sessions.

Organization Summary

Signature programs, services, activities, special projects, and events include the Arts Directory, Arts Calendar, Arts Passages, Arts Café, Poetry Out Loud, ABOUTFACE, Arts Recognition Awards, grants, advocacy, and outreach. The Arts Directory and Calendar is a free listing service for Contra Costa County artists or arts organizations. Arts Passages is a rotating visual art exhibit located at Contra Costa County’s Administration Building and partnering venues. Arts Café is a series of art workshops, lectures, discussions, and exhibitions throughout Contra Costa County and online. Since 2008, Contra Costa County high school students have participated in Poetry Out Loud (a national recitation contest). ABOUTFACE provides free self-portrait painting classes for veterans as a thank you for their service. Arts Recognition Awards highlight inspiring Contra Costa County individuals and organizations making significant artistic/philanthropic contributions to the community. Also, the Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County has received State Local Partner (SLP) and CARES Act funds for arts programs and grants. Commissioners represent diverse districts, neighborhoods, and communities. They are liaisons to arts, artists, cultural groups, and organizations.

Organization