Photo by Michal Czerwonkan, courtesy of CAC grantee SCI-Arc.
SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Arts Council announced today the opening of its new Innovations + Intersections pilot grant program, aimed at providing groundbreaking approaches to address society’s most pressing issues and opportunities, some of which include homelessness, climate change, systemic violence, and mental health.
About the Program
Innovations + Intersections will offer funding up to $500,000, the largest possible award amount in the agency’s history. Grants will serve as a resource for nonprofit arts organizations statewide to implement creative strategies that take on urgent community needs crossing the technology and health sectors—two areas identified by the Council body as having the greatest potential for demonstrable impact and community value when connected with arts and culture.
The Innovations + Intersections pilot program is made possible by state funding and supports the need to elevate imaginative possibilities into spaces that have yet to be created or identified in communities statewide—a key factor of the program’s innovative component.
The program includes several features designed to streamline the application process and make the program accessible to organizations and communities of all sizes. This program does not require applicants to provide a funding match and applications will be accepted through a two-step process. Applicants will submit a Letter of Intent prior to receiving an invitation from the California Arts Council to complete a full application for consideration.
“The California Arts Council is committed to developing modern, thought-provoking grant programs that respond to the diverse scope of issues burdening communities statewide and affirm the essential role of arts and culture in addressing those concerns,” said Nashormeh Lindo, California Arts Council Chair. “The Innovations + Intersections pilot provides a rare opportunity for community stakeholders, from disparate fields, to gather, dream big, and create an unparalleled project that speaks to their needs while inspiring communities nationwide.”
Program Timeline & Application Information
The deadline for the Innovations + Intersections grant Letter of Intent is Tuesday, April 14 at 11:59 p.m.; invitations for Applicant Organizations to submit full applications will be announced in late spring. An informational webinar will take place on Friday, February 14 at 11 a.m. More information, including program guidelines, dates, webinar registration, and staff contacts can be found at http://www.arts.ca.gov/programs/ini.php.
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The mission of the California Arts Council, a state agency, is to advance California through the arts and creativity. The Council is committed to building public will and resources for the arts; fostering accessible arts initiatives that reflect contributions from all of California’s diverse populations; serving as a thought leader and champion for the arts; and providing effective and relevant programs and services.
Members of the California Arts Council include: Chair Nashormeh Lindo, Vice Chair Jaime Galli, Larry Baza, Jodie Evans, Kathleen Gallegos, Stanlee Gatti, and Donn K. Harris. Learn more at www.arts.ca.gov.
The California Arts Council is committed to increasing the accessibility of its online content. For language and accessibility assistance, visit http://arts.ca.gov/aboutus/language.php.
