Grants
New Applicants
First time applicant? Learn about our grant application process and view helpful tips for applying for state arts funding.

Grant Programs & Applications
Learn about state arts funding for organizations and individuals. Access current guidelines and applications.

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

Grant Resources
View training and technical assistance resources including FAQs, training videos, webinars, and instructions.

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

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.

Online Application Portal
SmartSimple is the California Arts Council’s online application portal and grants management system.
Opportunities
Collective: Statewide Opportunities Resource
Browse opportunities such as jobs, internships, artist calls, grants, conferences, workshops, and more.

Collective: Organizational Profile Login
For organizations: apply for and access an organizational profile to post opportunities to Collective.

Collective: Custom Alerts
For individuals: sign-up to receive custom opportunity alerts by location, keyword, type, etc.
Learning Center
Why the arts?
Arts and culture are essential to us all. Explore the benefits of the arts by topic.

Research & Reports
Access research, reports, and journal articles from the global arts and culture fields.

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
Learn about key terms used in the arts and culture sector, and accompanying resources.
News
ArtBeat Newsletter
Visit our online archive for our weekly e-newsletter, featuring our latest updates, plus grants, job opportunities, and news from across the creative field. Subscribe now!

Press Releases
Access information and announcements for the media and public alike. Subscribe to receive emailed updates.

Blog
Read featured stories of California’s creative community, featuring guest features and voices from our grantees.

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
Administrators of Color Fellowship
Supporting an inclusive workforce for the field of arts and culture. Administered by the School of Arts and Culture at MHP.

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 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. The post of California’s Poet Laureate is currently vacant. www.capoetlaureate.net

California Youth Poet Laureate
COMING SOON: State legislation supports the development of the state’s first Youth Poet Laureate program.
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
View the Strategic Framework and Decision Support Tool that guide our agency and Council’s policies and practices.

Council Members
Meet our policy-setting Council, appointed by your elected officials. Learn how to apply for Council member appointments.

Staff
Get to know our state agency staff and access staff contact information.

Council Meetings
View the schedule and record of the Council’s public meetings.

Calendar
View dates and details on upcoming meetings, events, and workshops.

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.

Grant Programs & Applications

Grant Programs & Applications

Home > Grants > Grant Programs & Applications

Creating a better tomorrow means being here for the arts today.

This is a time of unexpected and unprecedented changes to the ways in which each of us work, communicate, connect, and experience our everyday lives. As your state arts agency, the California Arts Council is prioritizing this year’s grant funding to nurture and heal our communities through the arts; to keep the doors of our arts and cultural institutions open; to protect jobs in the creative field; and to preserve our cultural heritage, our stories, and our culture bearers. Click here to view our 2021 grant season announcement.

Details, dates, guidelines, staff contacts, and more can be found at the links below.

Visit our Grant Resources page for application resources, videos, and webinars.

Administering Organization – Relief for Individual Artists and Cultural Practitioners Support to a single partner organization to administer unrestricted rapid relief funding on behalf of the Arts Council.	VIEW >
Administrators of Color Fellowship Supporting an inclusive workforce for the field of arts and culture.	VIEW >
Artists in Communities Supporting artistic residencies in community settings.	VIEW >
Artists in Schools Supporting projects integrating community arts partners as part of the regular school day.	VIEW >
Arts & Cultural Organizations General Operating Relief Supporting arts and cultural organizations who have experienced economic hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic.	VIEW >
Arts and Accessibility Supporting enhanced opportunities for arts participation by people with disabilities.	VIEW >
Arts and Public Media Supporting nonprofit media projects building public awareness for the arts.	VIEW >
Arts Education Exposure Supporting student attendance at arts performances and exhibits.	VIEW >
Arts Integration Training Supporting arts integration training for educators facilitated by teaching artists.	VIEW >
California Relief Fund for Artists and Cultural Practitioners Supporting artists and cultural workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.	VIEW >

Deadline

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