City of Santa Barbara Cultural Arts Grants now open
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Mia Lopez is dedicated to preserving the indigenous culture of Santa Barbara's Chumash community.
“for us to continue ... protecting our people ... protecting our plans ... our waters ... our culture ... our stories," said Lopez.
Lopez is a member of the Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation.
She’s also a recipient of the city’s Cultural Arts Grant that helped her create a sponsored group called The Space.
“It helped me to share my skills ... my tradition," said Lopez.
The space allows Lopez to bring the community together while celebrating her culture through art, education and activities.
The city is investing nearly $250,000 as part of its plan to make the arts accessible for everyone.
“It’s really important because the cultural arts and our arts organizations … it really makes Santa Barbara a unique community … we have everything from individual artists receiving these grants to large institutions," said grant manager Hannah Rubalcava of the Santa Barbara County office of Arts and Culture.
Applications interested in applying for the grant must attend one of two workshops happening July 18 and July 30.
"And so we want to have this vibrant culture here in Santa Barbara," said Rubalcava.
“It has provided more than just the opportunity to create an art workshop … it has connected me in a lot of different ways that are outside of ... being an artist," said Lopez.
Applications are being accepted until Aug. 18, 2024 at 5 p.m.
Santa Barbara-based organizations are invited to apply for any one of three grant programs.
The grant programs are: Community Arts, Organizational Development, and Community Events and Festivals.
From the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture:
City The Community Arts (CA) Grants: Encouraging projects and programs uplifting arts opportunities for underserved communities and youth and helping to ensure arts access for all members of Santa Barbara’s community. Maximum funding request: up to $6,000
Organizational Development (OD) Grants: Supporting nonprofit arts organizations’ capacity and performance, enhance audience reach, and increase earned income. Embracing a variety of arts organizations, including multicultural and neighborhood arts. Maximum funding request: up to $15,000
Community Events & Festivals (EF) Grants: Incubating events and festivals that contribute to the city’s cultural vitality and promotion. Maximum funding request: up to $15,000
In order to qualify, applicants must have nonprofit 501(c)3 status or a nonprofit fiscal sponsor and attend a mandatory informational workshop.
An in-person workshop is scheduled for Jul. 18 from 12-1:30 p.m. at the David Gebhard Public Meeting Room, located at 630 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA.
An online workshop will take place through Zoom on Jul. 30 from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
For workshop registration, grant guidelines, eligibility requirements, and the online application portal, visit sbac.ca.gov/city-grants.
The Cultural Arts Grants are funded by the City of Santa Barbara.
Applications are reviewed by the City-appointed Arts Advisory Committee and Community Events & Festivals Committee.
Grant administration is facilitated by the County Office of Arts and Culture.
For more than 30 years, both governments have shared resources and staff to maximize support for Santa Barbara arts and culture institutions, programs, initiatives, and projects.
Local nonprofits can submit applications until August 18, 2024.
For more information, visit: www.sbac.ca.gov.
The programs are meant to provide arts access for underserved communities, support diverse nonprofits, and catalyze festivals that enhance local economic and community vitality.
