Community Arts Grant Program
The City of Burbank Parks and Recreation Department and the Burbank Cultural Arts Commission are launching a pilot arts grant program to support local artists and arts organizations and to engage Burbank residents with diverse and outstanding cultural arts projects. Feedback from first-year participants will inform the development of future arts funding programs for the city.
About the Grants
Grants from $1,000 - $5,000 are available for visual and performing arts projects that encourage arts participation and experiences for all members of the community. We encourage applications and projects that:
- Educate, entertain and inspire participants.
- Build awareness and appreciation for the art form.
- Meet community needs and identify target audiences.
- Reflect the rich cultural diversity of the Burbank community.
Individual professional artists and non-profit arts organizations based in Los Angeles County and working in the visual arts and performing arts are invited to apply. Proposed projects must be completed in Burbank and directly serve Burbank residents, businesses, and visitors. Artists/organizations currently based in Burbank will take priority (see criteria).
Please download and read the full guidelines, eligibility, and application instructions. Sign Up for application workshops below under APPLICATION ASSISTANCE.
Important Dates
Applications are due December 5, 2023, no later than 5PM for the project period of March 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024.
| October 9, 2023 | Grant Opportunity Opens |
| October 19, 2023 | Application Workshop 6:00pm – 7:00pm (Via Zoom) |
| November 14, 2023 | Office Hours Workshop/Q&A 11:00am - noon (Via Zoom) |
| December 5, 2023 | Applications Due no later than 5pm PST |
| January 2024 | Panel Review |
| February 2024 | Artist Notification |
| March 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024 | Project Period |
Applicants must be based in Los Angeles County.
Projects must be completed in the City of Burbank and directly serve Burbank residents, businesses, and visitors.
Individual artist applicants must be 21 years of age or older at the time of application submission and show that they have been working as a practicing artist for a minimum of two years.
Arts organization applicants must be established as a 501c3 non-profit and must have at least two years of public programming experience.
Projects must provide a public benefit via an interactive component or culminating performance, exhibition, or event that is open to the general public.
Only one application per project will be accepted.
City of Burbank elected and appointed officials, employees and immediate family members are not eligible to apply.
For a full list of eligibility requirements and the types of projects that will not be funded, please refer to the program guidelines.
Artistic Quality and Merit (40 points) - Project exhibits high artistic quality as evidenced by artistic documentation, work samples, artistic statement (individual artists) and a creative, compelling, and cohesive project proposal.
Community Access and Impact (30 points) - Project includes a high level of community engagement and outreach that will make a positive impact for Burbank residents, businesses, and visitors.
Project Viability/Managerial and Fiscal Competence (20 points) – The applicant submits a thorough application with realistic project budget, timeline, goals, and evaluation plan (for organizations this also includes review of annual budget and 990s).
Cultural Equity & Inclusion (10 points) – Applicants and projects demonstrate values, policies, and practices that all people are represented and included.
Burbank Residency Credit (5 points) - Automatically awarded to any artist or organization applying that is located in Burbank as evidenced by mailing address for office, residence, or studio space.
Expanded criteria descriptions can be found in the full guidelines.
All applications, artistic documentation and support materials are reviewed by City staff for satisfaction of eligibility requirements. Eligible proposals are then reviewed by a diverse panel of arts professionals with expertise in performing and visual arts. Award levels are determined by scores, the amount of available funds, request amounts, and the number of qualified applicants.
Staff documents the comments of grant review panels for its records and to share with applicants, upon request. Comments will be available to applicants following the announcement of grant awards by sending an email request to [email protected].
Review our FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).
October 19, 2023: Application Workshop 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Staff will review the guidelines, criteria, and application process. The session will be recorded and posted here for those who cannot attend.
Did you miss the workshop? Watch the workshop now!
November 14, 2023: Office Hours Workshop/Q&A 11:00am – Noon
Staff will provide a quick review of the guidelines and application process followed by an opportunity for applicants to ask questions.
Contact staff via email with questions or to schedule a call: [email protected].
Staff is available on a limited basis to offer guidance and clarification in preparing your proposal. Be sure to review the FAQs and application workshop before contacting staff and do so far enough ahead of the deadline to ensure you can be accommodated. Staff cannot guarantee a response for questions sent on or after November 27, 2023.