City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairsresidency
Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs Neighborhood Engagement Artist Residency (NEAR)
- Who Can Apply: Individual artists (or duos, teams or ensembles under one lead artist) who reside in Los Angeles County and whose community-based practice is largely self-developed; not open to anyone enrolled in a degree or certificate program during the grant cycle.
- The Focus: A participatory community residency in a non-arts venue in one City of Los Angeles council district: at least eleven artist-led workshops with about 20 participants and a free or low-cost public culminating event, during July 2027-June 2028.
- The Funding: $12,000 NEAR grant, reimbursed in two 50% installments; may be reduced to $6,000 (5 workshops + 1 event) if DCA's budget is cut.
- Key Requirements: Apply online via SurveyMonkey Apply (dca-la.smapply.org) with a business plan for a City of Los Angeles residency of at least 200 hours of planning and direct service in one council district (minimum eleven workshops, at least one public event with 40+ attendees), the NEAR/CO-UP budget form, a prioritized list of one primary and up to two secondary host sites, host letters from proposed venues (no fewer than two recommended), and a current résumé.
DeadlineFriday, October 30, 2026
Award$12,000 NEAR grant (may be reduced at contracting to $6,000 for 5 workshops + 1 event if DCA's budget is cut); paid as reimbursement in two 50% installments
LocationLos Angeles, CA
Career stagesAll Stages
Application notesSubmit online via SurveyMonkey Apply (dca-la.smapply.org) by 11:59 pm on Friday, October 30, 2026; no edits after submitting. Free DCA webinars (RSVP required, capped at 30) are strongly recommended. Panels strongly favor Council Districts 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11 and 12. Results May-June 2027; service period July 1, 2027-June 30, 2028.
Contactdca.grants@lacity.org
City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs