Special Arts Project Grant

The City of West Hollywood, through its Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission, offers the Special Arts Project Grant as part of its robust Arts Grant Program. This initiative reflects the city’s commitment to supporting large-scale, innovative, and community-engaged arts programming. The 2027–2028 Special Arts Project Grant is a one-time, two-year funding opportunity designed to align with the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Its aim is to highlight West Hollywood as a cultural hub by fostering immersive and inclusive artistic experiences that resonate with global audiences while celebrating the city's diverse identity. The Special Arts Project Grant replaces the traditional Arts Project Grant category for this cycle and invites proposals from individual artists, artist collectives, and nonprofit arts organizations based in Los Angeles County. Applicants are expected to present a single public-facing project during March to September 2028, with prior planning and engagement activities taking place throughout 2027. The program seeks projects that reflect the theme "Inventing Traditions," emphasizing how traditions evolve, intersect with contemporary issues, and highlight marginalized voices. Emphasis is placed on inclusive, participatory works that are site-responsive and capable of drawing audiences of 100 or more. The grant consists of a maximum award of $24,000 per project, disbursed as $12,000 per year. An additional $15,000 in funding is allocated specifically for applicants who self-identify as disabled or for nonprofit organizations that support disabled artists. The total annual funding available for this grant category in 2027 is $159,300. Projects must occur within a five-block radius of the City of West Hollywood, and grantees must demonstrate a clear, feasible plan that includes artistic development, community outreach, and budget clarity. To qualify, applicants must be individual artists, collectives, or nonprofit arts organizations with demonstrated artistic experience. Fiscal sponsorships are not allowed. Projects must not include fundraisers, capital campaigns, murals, or religious-based events, and grantees cannot receive concurrent funding from other City of West Hollywood sources for the same project. City officials, employees, and their immediate family members are also ineligible. Applications are reviewed through a peer panel process based on five weighted criteria: thematic alignment, innovation and inclusion, project design and feasibility, organizational capacity, and connection to West Hollywood. A bonus point is given to applicants with a business location within West Hollywood. Successful applicants will be required to attend a mandatory orientation, submit insurance documentation, and complete both a newsletter advisory form and final report during their funding period. Final award decisions are made by the Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission and approved by the City Council. Applications must be submitted online via the City’s website by 3:00 p.m. on July 1, 2026. Notifications will be sent in October 2026, with funding disbursed as early as February 2027, contingent upon contracting requirements. Virtual and in-person grant workshops will be held during May and June to support applicants. Additional one-on-one support is available during scheduled open office hours. Contact Eva Angeloff at (323) 848-6354 or [email protected] for more information.