AWARDEES HAVE NOW BEEN NOTIFIED

Program Overview

The Individual Artist Fellowships (IAF) program, administered by Los Angeles Performance Practice in partnership with the California Arts Council, uplifts and celebrates California artists across all disciplines and traditions, highlighting their excellence and acknowledging their leadership in shaping traditional and contemporary cultures. The program provides unrestricted funding to empower artists at pivotal moments in their careers.

Key Dates

• Application Opens: April 20, 2026
• Application Deadline: June 6, 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific time
• Panel Review: June–July 2026
• Applicant Notifications: August 2026
• Fellowship Period: 12 months, September 1st, 2026 to August 31st, 2027

Fellowship Awards & Tiers

• Emerging Artist Fellows – $5,000 (for artists in the beginning stages of making their work public)
• Established Artist Fellows – $10,000 (for artists who regularly make their work public and engage the larger community)
• Legacy Artist Fellows – $50,000 (for artists with a significant body of work produced over a substantial period of time)

Eligibility

• Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of application
• Be a California resident for a minimum of two years
• Primarily reside and work in Los Angeles County (living in the county for most of the year, maintaining a professional and community-based artistic practice, and demonstrating impact within the local or regional cultural ecosystem)
• Previously awarded Legacy Artists (statewide) are not eligible to apply
• Previously awarded Emerging or Established Artists (statewide) may apply for the next tier up (Emerging → Established, Established → Legacy)
• Must apply directly—fiscal sponsors are not permitted
• Must use a personal tax identification number (SSN or ITIN) to receive funding

Review Criteria