Who is Eligible to Apply?

Grants Program The Arts in California Parks grants program activates local parks through community-centered art and cultural experiences that foster creativity, connection and a deeper relationship to California’s natural and cultural landscapes. Now in the third year of a three-year pilot initiative, Arts in California Parks grants program has invested $5.4 million since 2024 to support 61 projects statewide – $2.8 million awarded to 31 grantees in its first year and $2.6 million to 30 grantees in the second year. In the third year, the program anticipates awarding an additional $2.6 million to support new implementation projects across California. Together, these projects transform local parks into vibrant, welcoming spaces where art, culture and community come together – celebrating local histories, amplifying diverse voices and creating meaningful experiences for residents and visitors alike. Explore Projects Artist Clay River collaborates with Ink Dwell Studio on a mural installation focused on the restoration of Mariposa Creek, the future site of the residency program. Photo by Cara Goger, Mariposa Arts Council. RIPE Area-The Art of Native Plants Festival (American River Conservancy-2024 grantee). Photo by Parks California. 2026-27 Grant Cycle The 2026–27 grant cycle marks the final year of the Arts in California Parks three-year pilot initiative. Implementation Grants Grant Term: 12 months (October 2026 – September 2027)Objective: Support organizations that are ready to deliver community-centered art and cultural programs in local parks through strong, well-established partnerships. Thank you for the 2026-27 grant cycle applications! The selected grantees will be announced in October 2026. Stay tuned for updates by subscribing to our newsletter. Who is Eligible to Apply? 501(c)3 organizations, California Native American tribes, native 7871 organizations and trusts, fiscally sponsored community organizations, community foundations and government agencies, excluding California State Parks and federal lands. Minimum RequirementsNot sure if you meet the minimum requirements? Visit our grants program Resource Hub to verify your eligibility. How does Arts in California Parks define “local park”?The Arts in California Parks grants program fosters community connections to California’s diverse cultural history and natural areas beyond state park boundaries. Eligible projects will help enhance connections to local cultural history, local parks, open space or natural areas through community events, programming or installations that help to build sustainable community connections, health and well-being.Eligible projects must be open to the general public. Projects must be located on land that is owned or managed by a local city, county, park or community service district, land trusts, regional park or open space district, nonprofit organization or foundation or any other entity other than federal and state agencies. Both indoor and outdoor spaces can be considered. Additionally, school property is considered a park when there is a joint-use agreement and park signage indicating the public is welcome to use a designated outdoor area, such as a schoolyard, for recreation during appropriate hours such as after-school, weekends and summer. Additional ToolsResource Hub: Access essential tools, FAQs and more. Artist Directory: Explore artists available to collaborate on grant-funded projects. Promotional Toolkit: Help spread the word about this grants program. 2026 Grant TimelineTuesday, Feb. 9 – Friday, March 13: Letter of Intention phase opensTuesday, Feb. 17, 1 p.m. PT: AiCP Information Session 2026-27 grantees applicationWednesday, Feb. 18 – Tuesday, March 10: Weekly virtual office hours for applicantsFriday, March 13, 5 p.m. PT: Letter of Intent application deadlineJune 2026: Invitations sent to approved LOI applicants to submit full proposalsOctober 2026: Grantee announcements RIPE Area-The Art of Native Plants Festival (American River Conservancy-2024 grantee). Photo by Parks California. Women in Dialogue – Reclaiming Our Sisters Everywhere (ROSE SLA-2024/25 grantee). Photo by Parks California. Meet our 2025-26 Grantees From large-scale performances to culturally focused installations, this year’s grantees provide opportunities for residents and visitors alike to engage with the arts while deepening their connection to nature and local history. See Former Grantees 2025-26 Implementation Grantees Angels Gate Cultural Center Sustainers of Life, Contemporary Native Art Exhibition & Public ProgrammingOpening October 9, 2025, Sustainers of Life is a multi-week contemporary art exhibition at Angels Gate Cultural Center in San Pedro, featuring new work by 5-8 Indigenous women artists. The exhibition will explore historic and ongoing issues impacting Native communities, particularly Native women, and will be accompanied by public programming that promotes healing, truth and cultural connection. Timed with the Many Winters Gathering of Elders — a four-day Indigenous-led cultural event attracting 1,500 visitors — the exhibition will engage 1,500 elementary students through the center’s Arts Exploration Field Trip program. Additional programming will include artist talks, film screenings, a basket-weaving workshop and family art activities. Located in Angels Gate Park, the center serves as a vital hub for community-based arts in South Los Angeles, fostering empathy, understanding and connection through art that honors Indigenous voices and the cultural significance of California’s parklands.For more information, visit www.angelsgateart.org APAPA (Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs, Community Education Foundation) Roots & Resilience: AANHPI Youth Mental Wellness Through Culture, Art, and NatureRoots & Resilience: AANHPI Youth Mental Wellness Through Culture, Art, and Nature, is a 2026 initiative addressing mental health challenges among Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander yo