With support from the California Arts Council, TEAPOT GARDENS will be able to transition from a fully volunteer organization to a part-time dedicated staff of artists and organizers. This grant will allow us to build a formal structure to support free and accessible art programs in our community.
Teapot offers two programs serving two different markets. Art Oasis targets system impacted youth in South Central Los Angeles, while Paradaiza is designed for artists and creatives across Los Angeles who are interested in sharing their talents with the next generation. Our program model is based on a giving tree approach, where artists generously give back to our community.
Art Oasis is a paid internship and job training program for youths aged 13-18, where they learn the marketing aspects of being an artist through hands-on event production. In one-on-one mentorships with industry professionals, participants train as producers, community organizers, graphic designers, teaching artists, filmmakers, and editors. They collaborate to design and execute a series of 6-8 free, outdoor events for their community, providing healing through art while building valuable, career-ready skills.
Paradaiza is a distinct community of 20-39 yr old creative adults interested in activism. We gather in our Paradise Garden as a common ground to share ideas, collaborate, and build community. Modeled on the ancient lifestyle around Paradise Gardens, we aim to revive the idea that culture was born in a garden, and it takes a village! Our garden serves a gathering place for artists to seed their ideas to fruition, and create programming geared towards adults. Programs like Folktales and Fire, Kimchi Forage & Ferment, and Picnic in Paradise began in our garden.

