Deadline: 19 February 2025
The Civic Arts program supports a culturally vibrant and diverse arts ecosystem within the City of Berkeley by funding grants to artists, arts organizations, and festivals.
Individual Artist Project grants support artists living in Berkeley with project-based funding. Projects must include original work created during the Grant Activity Period and a public presentation that engages Berkeley residents in a meaningful way.
Categories
- The following disciplines will be considered over the next two grant cycles: FY26 (this application period):
- Film and New Media
- Multidisciplinary/Interdisciplinary Arts
- Social Practice
- Visual Arts
Funding Information
- The Individual Artist Project grant is a $5,000 award.
- Ten (10) awards will be given in this grant category, totaling a $50,000 allocation for individual artists.
Eligible Expenses
- Examples of eligible expenses for this funding include, but are not limited to:
- Artist fees
- Equipment rentals
- Living expenses during the Grant Activity Period (for example, rent, utilities, childcare, etc.)
- Stipends for collaborators
- Supplies and materials needed for the project
- Venue or studio fees
Ineligible Expenses
- Grant funds may not be used for the following:
- Expenses incurred outside of the Grant Activity Period
- Joint projects funded by two or more Individual Artist Project awards
- Political advocacy or lobbying
- Project production and presentation activities outside of the City of Berkeley
- Projects for which the main intent is curation, archiving, or journalism
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:
- Individual artist and not applying as a partnership, group, or collective
- Resident of the City of Berkeley
- Artist working in film and new media, multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary arts, social practice, or visual arts
- 18 years of age or older
Ineligibility Criteria
- City of Berkeley employees employed at the time of the application or during any part of the Grant Activity Period
- Full-time students enrolled at the time of the application or during any part of the Grant Activity Period
- Individual Artist Project grantees from the last two grant cycles (previous two Fiscal Years)
- Artists with proposed projects in dance, folk and traditional arts, literary arts, music, or theater
- Individuals who do not live in the City of Berkeley
- Organizational applicants (for example, festivals, nonprofit organizations, businesses, etc.)
Evaluation Criteria
- Applications will be evaluated by Grant Review Panelists using the following criteria:
- Artistic Practice and Experience
- Project Narrative
- Cultural Equity
- Community Impact
For more information, visit City of Berkeley.
