Photo by Peter Merts.
SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Arts Council is currently accepting proposals from organizations interested in providing arts services promoting healing and well-being as part of California’s Arts in Corrections (AIC) program. Organizations of all sizes are encouraged to submit programming proposals for up to $100,000 that broaden the art and cultural disciplines of institution workshops.
The Request for Proposals (RFP), announced today, seeks to continue the state’s goal of diversifying art disciplines and increasing the number of Arts in Corrections offerings, based on the recent assessment of institutional needs. The California Arts Council works closely with California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Community Resource Managers to tailor each facilities’ art discipline priorities for the unique institutional community they manage. A list of art discipline priorities for each state correctional facility is available within the RFP guidelines to assist organizations in designing their proposals.
As part of the California Arts Council’s effort to simplify the submission process and increase access, equity, and inclusion among interested organizations, the RFP includes plain-language templated forms, instructions, and a video tutorial for submission guidance. An optional feedback survey is also included to gain insight on how to further streamline the process for future RFPs.
About the Arts in Corrections Program
Administered by the California Arts Council and made possible via an interagency agreement with the CDCR, California’s Arts in Corrections program is designed to have a positive impact on the social and emotional well-being of people experiencing incarceration. Arts education can increase critical thinking skills, build positive relationships and promote healing and meaningful interactions between participants and their peers, facility staff, loved ones, and other individuals and community groups both inside and outside of the boundaries of their institution.
Services provided span the full spectrum of art disciplines, with organizations offering instruction in visual; literary; media; performing; and cultural, folk and traditional arts. Now in its seventh year, arts programming has grown to reach all 35 state adult correctional institutions. For more information about the program, visit the California Arts in Corrections website.
About the RFP Process
Read the Request for Proposals and download available attachments here.
Interested organizations are encouraged to attend a webinar hosted by the California Arts Council on Thursday, March 5 at 3 p.m. Arts in Corrections staff will offer guidance on the streamlined RFP submission process. Registration is available here. An archived version of the webinar will be published to the Arts in Corrections website following its completion.
Questions for Round 1 regarding the RFP process and webinar must be submitted by March 5 at 4 p.m.; Round 1 responses will be made available to the public online no later than March 11 at 4 p.m. Questions for Round 2 must be submitted by April 8 at 4 p.m.; Round 2 responses will be made available online no later than April 10 at 4 p.m.
*Updated March 26 – The final deadline for submitting proposals has been extended to May 11 at 9 a.m. PDT.
Returned Citizen Panel Advisor & Community Feedback Opportunities
In addition to this RFP, Arts in Corrections is also seeking returned citizens to join its pool of advisors for proposal review panels and gathering community input for its upcoming program name change. Collectively, these efforts mark a significant period of growth and change for the state’s prison arts program, prioritizing efforts to break down barriers, challenge the status quo and create a culture shift within the field. Learn more about these additional opportunities here.
For California Arts Council press inquiries, contact Kimberly Brown, Public Affairs Specialist. For program-related inquiries from interested organizations, contact Arts in Corrections Program Analyst Roman Sanchez.
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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.
