Individual Artists Fellowship
Forecasted
The California Arts Council's Individual Artists Fellowship funds artists in all disciplines to advance creative research, cultural practice, and community engagement across California.
Funder: California Arts Council
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027: Far South Region | May 2027: Upstate Region | May 2027: Inland Empire & South Coast Region | June 2027: Central Coast Region | June 2027: Bay Area Region | June 2027: Capital Region | June 2027: South County (Los Angeles) Region | June 2027: Central Valley & Sierra Region
Funding Amounts: Unrestricted fellowships of $5,000 (Emerging), $10,000 (Established), and $50,000 (Legacy) per artist; award amount and number of fellowships vary by region and tier.
Summary: Supports and uplifts individual California artists in all disciplines through regionally administered fellowships, outreach, and public programming.
Key Information: Applicants must reside in the region they apply to and may only submit to one region per cycle.
Description
The Individual Artists Fellowship, administered by the California Arts Council (CAC), provides unrestricted funding to artists and culture bearers across California, recognizing artistic excellence and leadership in shaping both traditional and contemporary cultures. The program is delivered through eight regionally based Administering Organizations (AOs), each responsible for application management, review panels, and direct payments to fellows within their service areas. The fellowship operates in three tiers—Emerging, Established, and Legacy—each with different award levels. In addition to financial support, the program offers professional development, networking, and public programming to increase the visibility and impact of fellows, fostering a vibrant and resilient creative ecosystem statewide.
