Investing in the Artist Grant for Individual Artists

The Investing in the Artist Grant for Individual Artists is a grant program offered by the City of Santa Ana’s Arts & Culture Office. Recognizing artists as vital microbusinesses contributing to the city’s economic and cultural vitality, this initiative offers direct support to emerging and established artists living and working in Santa Ana. It aims to elevate community narratives under the theme "Stories That Unite Us in Santa Ana," encouraging projects that reflect shared experiences, cultural heritage, and civic pride. Applicants are invited to propose creative works in disciplines such as visual arts, music, literature, performance, culinary arts, and multimedia. The grant is competitive and offers awards of up to $10,000 per artist. This funding is structured as a reimbursement grant, paid in three disbursements: at project start, midway through, and approximately 60 days after submission and approval of the final report. The funding period spans 12 months. Grantees must maintain financial documentation and submit both interim and final outcome reports, including itemized receipts. Failure to complete the project will result in ineligibility to apply for two years, and recipients must return awarded funds. Projects must align with the approved proposal; changes require prior approval. To be eligible, applicants must be over the age of 18, currently live and/or create work in Santa Ana, and demonstrate that the project directly serves Santa Ana residents or promotes the city's economic development. Projects must occur within city limits and be accessible to the public. Applicants must hold a current City of Santa Ana business license and carry general liability insurance naming the city as additional insured. Those with unresolved code violations, litigation, or outstanding debts to the city are not eligible. Attendance at one of two mandatory virtual information sessions—scheduled for March 12 or March 17, 2026—is required. The application must be submitted via Submittable by March 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Required documents include a cover sheet, project narrative, budget, project timeline, a letter of support, and a portfolio submission. Public art proposals require site confirmation and a letter from the property owner. Artists working in visual, musical, performing, literary, and digital arts must follow format guidelines for submitting portfolio materials, such as labeled images, media links, and writing samples. Applications will be evaluated by a peer review panel of artists, arts administrators, and other professionals with regional arts sector expertise. Proposals will be scored on artistic merit and theme relevance (40%), artist portfolio (25%), community impact (25%), and individual need (10%). Bonus points are awarded for artists who live or work in Santa Ana, and point deductions apply for prior non-compliance. The commission may fund projects at lower amounts than requested, and artists are encouraged to seek additional funding sources. Notifications of funding recommendations will be made by April 16, 2026, with final award announcements expected in June–July 2026. The City of Santa Ana retains the right to cancel the opportunity or decline to award funding. The program is subject to City ordinances and contingent on City Council approval. For more information, applicants may contact the Arts & Culture Office at (714) 647-5355 or [email protected].

Follow media-specific portfolio instructions; Ensure project occurs in Santa Ana; Confirm site permissions and maintain compliance with city regulations