CAC Emerging Artist Fellowship - Central California (Kern, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties)

The California Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowship Program (CAC IAF) offers funding for artists living and working in Central California. This application is for Micro Region 1, which includes Kern, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. The program is administered by SVCREATES in partnership with the California Arts Council and local arts agencies.

The Emerging Artist Fellowship tier provides $5,000 awards to artists in the beginning stages of making their work public. Up to 38 awards will be granted across the 17-county Central California region. Eligible applicants must be 18 years or older, have a minimum two-year history of artistic practice in California, and reside in one of the eligible Central California counties. Recipients of the 2021 CAC Individual Artist Fellowship are not eligible to apply. Fellowship grants support individual artistic practice through unrestricted funding.

Applications must include narrative responses (addressing artistic background, long-term aspirations, and community engagement), work samples (up to 10 digital images and/or up to 3 video/audio samples), an artist resume, and one letter of support from a key stakeholder or community member. Optional supporting materials may include press materials, flyers, or brochures. Applications are reviewed by peer panels based on creative vision, aesthetic excellence, and community engagement and social impact. Jury dates are June 1 - July 31, 2023. Applications are submitted online through the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture, the Lead Agency for Micro Region 1.