Neighborhood Engagement Artist Residency (NEAR) + Creative Optimism-Uplifting Promises (CO-UP) Grants
The NEAR + CO-UP Grants from the City of Los Angeles support artists and nonprofits to lead participatory, community-based art residencies in non-arts venues across underserved neighborhoods.
Funder: City of Los Angeles - Department of Cultural Affairs
Due Dates: October 30, 2026: Online Submission Deadline
Funding Amounts: NEAR grants: $12,000 | CO-UP grants: $15,000 (includes $3,000 for nonprofit admin costs)
Summary: Supports LA-based artists and social justice nonprofits to lead participatory art residencies in non-arts venues serving underserved neighborhoods.
Key Information: Projects must occur in City of LA non-arts venues and be free or low-cost to the public.
Description
The Neighborhood Engagement Artist Residency (NEAR) and Creative Optimism-Uplifting Promises (CO-UP) Grants are offered by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs to support community-based, participatory art projects throughout Los Angeles. These programs fund artists and social justice nonprofit organizations to design and implement residency projects in non-arts venues, such as community centers, libraries, social service agencies, recreation facilities, and more. The aim is to foster creative engagement and cultural enrichment for audiences with limited access to the arts.
NEAR grants support independent artists (or small collaborative teams) to run a series of workshops and a culminating public event in partnership with a local host venue. CO-UP grants are for social justice nonprofits to collaborate with teaching artists, addressing humanitarian issues through art. Both programs emphasize partnerships, accessible programming, and a focus on underserved neighborhoods.
