Arts and Youth
Forecasted
Arts and Youth supports California youth ages 0–25 facing access barriers through culturally responsive arts learning and participation that strengthen self-expression, development, and community connections.
Funder: California Arts Council
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $25,000 for one year; no matching funds required
Summary: Supports culturally responsive arts learning and participation for California youth ages 0–25 facing barriers to access.
Key Information: Applicants must have total annual revenue below $5 million and cannot also apply for Impact Projects.
Description
The California Arts Council’s Arts and Youth program supports meaningful arts participation and learning for infants, children, and young people ages 0–25. It prioritizes programs that directly bridge barriers to access, including those associated with socioeconomic status, geographic isolation, identity, the digital divide, and disability. Funded experiences should strengthen young people’s sense of self, community connections, and understanding across histories and cultures.
The program seeks culturally and linguistically responsive experiences that center youth voices, support positive social and emotional development, and cultivate critical thinking, leadership, collaboration, communication, and self-expression. Projects may occur during or outside school hours in arts venues, schools, community centers, juvenile justice settings, social service agencies, and other youth-oriented settings. Building educators’ capacity to integrate arts learning across the curriculum is also a program goal.
