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Investing in Artists: Artistic Innovation is sponsored by Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI). This program supports diverse Bay Area working artists in performing and media arts, including film and video, who are developing new work that pushes creative boundaries or explores new collaborations. The 2026 round is open to residents of Marin, Napa, Solano, or Sonoma County.
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:: CCI :: Investing in Artists: Artistic Innovation :: Unfettering Artists' Productivity and Impact If you have questions or require further information on the Investing in Artists grants program, please either email or call the grant hotline at (415) 288-0530 . Funding > Investing in Artists: Artistic Innovation The 2026 Investing in Artists: Artistic Innovation application round is open!
DEADLINE EXTENDED - Apply by April 3, 2026 at 11:59 a. m. (morning).
Learn about the 2025 Investing in Artists: Artistic Innovation Grantees!
The Investing in Artists: Artistic Innovation program (fka Investing in Artists) supports diverse, Bay Area working artists who are developing new work in the performing or media arts that pushes the envelope of their creative process, explores new artistic collaborations, and/or supports artistic growth and experimentation that extends the boundaries of their art-making.
The Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI) established the Investing in Artists grant program in 2007 to enhance the working lives of and strengthen the creative support system for California artists working in all disciplines. Since that time, and with the support of The James Irvine Foundation and The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, CCI has awarded over $2 million to more than 300 diverse artists across California.
Through the continued support of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, CCI is pleased to offer a new cycle of funding (2024 – 2026) for the Investing in Artists: Artistic Innovation program for Bay Area performing and media artists.
Through a competitive application process conducted over three rounds of funding from 2024 to 2026, approximately eight grants of up to $9,000 each will be made annually to Bay Area performing and media artists, with Bay Area County eligibility rotating every year.
Investing in Artists: Artistic Innovation grants are designed to support diverse Bay Area artists in the performing and media arts, which include the disciplines of dance, music, musical theatre, opera, theatre, video, film, and animation, to name a few. Applicants representing a wide range of cultural expressions and artistic practices in the performing and media arts are encouraged to apply.
To be considered for funding, applicants: For the 2026 Round: Must reside full-time in Marin, Napa, Solano, or Sonoma County when applying and for the duration of the grant period (June 2026 – June 2027). Must be an individual working artist 1. Must propose a new project.
Projects that have already taken place or that will take place before the start of the grant period are ineligible. See the Frequently Asked Questions for more information. Must have performed or presented artistic work in a public context—including online/digital platforms—within the last three years (i.e., since 2023).
Must be 18 years or older at the time of the application deadline. 1 For the purposes of this program, eligible “working artists'' are defined as adults who have received training in an artistic discipline or tradition, spend ten or more hours a week on their artistic practice, self-define as professional artists, and attempt to derive income from work in which they use their expert artistic practices and skills.
While serious artistic activity performed as a hobby or as part of volunteer community service may, in some cases, be considered technically eligible, successful applicants will have demonstrated a history of artistic accomplishment and a sustained commitment to deepening and expanding their artistic work.
The following are ineligible for funding consideration: Artist collectives, coops, or collaboratives; Nonprofit or fiscally sponsored organizations; Group performances or other group-based projects; Individuals playing a supportive or “producer” role in developing an individual artist’s work (such as curators, producers, designers, technicians, fabricators, and advisors); Full-time or matriculated students; Applicants who submit more than one application; Incomplete applications and those with inaccessible work samples or other required files; and Individuals who have a conflict of interest (family or financial relationship) with the board, staff, or directors of the Center for Cultural Innovation.
February 24 at 9:00 a. m. PT February 26, 12:00-1:00 p.
m. PT Note: If you're unable to attend, email grants@cciarts. org to request access to the recording and presentation slide deck.
March 18, 10:00-11:00 a. m. PT March 19, 12:00-1:00 p.
m. PT NEW - March 30, 4:00-5:00 p. m.
PT Note: These are not formal presentations, nor will they be recorded. Office Hours are an opportunity to have your questions addressed by CCI staff in real time. We ask that you review the grant guidelines, application preview, and Frequently Asked Questions in advance to ensure everyone's time is used efficiently.
Application Deadline -- DEADLINE EXTENDED March 27 at 11:59 a. m. (morning) PT April 3 at 11:59 a.
m. (morning) PT Application Notifications Application Preview (. pdf) Application Preview (.
docx) Frequently Asked Questions Sample Project Budget (Project budgets are required; however, using the "Sample Project Budget" template is optional) DEADLINE EXTENDED - Apply by April 3 at 11:59 a. m. (morning) PT CCI staff are here to help and listen.
For assistance, please email us at grants@cciarts. org (include IA - Artistic Innovation in the subject line) or call 415. 288.
053. You may also schedule a time to speak here . For Deaf applicants and those with hearing loss, contact CCI using the California Relay Service —our staff is trained in making and receiving these calls.
If you need technical assistance (e.g., password or upload issues), request support at: https://www. submittable. com/help/submitter .
Submittable’s business hours are 9 am – 5 pm MT. They aim to respond within 24 business hours. The Investing in Artists: Artistic Innovation grant program is made possible with support from: CCI is now working remotely!
For the quickest response, please email us at info@cciarts. org . If you need our mailing address, please contact us.
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Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Individual working artists residing full-time in Marin, Napa, Solano, or Sonoma County for the 2026 round. Must be 18 or older and have presented artistic work publicly since 2023. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates Up to $9,000 Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is April 3, 2026. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Federal grant success rates typically range from 10-30%, varying by agency and program. Build a strong proposal with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and a well-justified budget to improve your chances.
Requirements vary by sponsor, but typically include a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capability statement, and key personnel CVs. Check the official notice for the complete list of required attachments.
Yes — AI tools like Granted can help research funders, draft proposal sections, and check compliance. However, always review and customize AI-generated content to reflect your organization's unique strengths and the specific requirements of the solicitation.
Review timelines vary by funder. Federal agencies typically take 3-6 months from submission to award notification. Foundation grants may be faster, often 1-3 months. Check the program's timeline in the official solicitation for specific dates.
Many federal programs offer multi-year funding or allow competitive renewals. Check the official solicitation for continuation and renewal policies. Non-competing continuation applications are common for multi-year awards.