CALI Futures
CALI Futures by the Center for Cultural Innovation funds California artists and cultural workers researching and advancing alternative, sustainable models in the arts sector.
Funder: Center for Cultural Innovation
Due Dates: August 28, 2026: Full application submission deadline
Funding Amounts: Up to $5,000 per project; $100,000 total awarded annually (2026–2028 cycle)
Summary: Supports California-based artists and cultural workers advancing alternative approaches to sustainability, belonging, and self-determination in the arts.
Description
The CALI Futures grant, administered by the Center for Cultural Innovation, is designed to support individual artists and cultural workers (including teams) residing in California who are leading or participating in alternative efforts within the arts and culture sector. The program specifically uplifts projects that operate outside of traditional nonprofit and for-profit models and are focused on advancing financial sustainability, creative ownership, mutual support, and systemic change. CALI Futures aims to strengthen the broader arts ecosystem by investing in projects that foster collective resilience, inclusivity, and new models for belonging and self-determination.
Projects may range from early-stage concepts and research to full implementation and reflection. The grant encourages ambitious framing of how alternative efforts can transform the lives of artists and the future of the arts sector, prioritizing initiatives that address systemic challenges not solved by conventional structures.
