Full program guidelines, a sample application and information can be found here.

PROGRAM TIMELINE 

Application Opens: July 1, 2025 

Application Deadline: Rolling applications accepted until funds expire  

Panel Review & Award Notifications: Quarterly 

• September, 2025 

• December, 2025  

• March, 2026 

• May, 2026 

PROGRAM HISTORY & DESCRIPTION 

Launched in 2020 as part of the City of Santa Monica’s Economic Recovery Task Force, the Art of Recovery (AoR) Grant Program was created to harness the power of the arts in revitalizing the community and economy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Inspired by the WPA-era Federal Art Project, AoR was designed to be responsive and adaptable and support Santa Monica’s artists and economy by: 

• Employing artists and arts producers 

• Partnering with businesses to stimulate economic activity 

• Enlivening public spaces, including parks, streets, and other community areas 

• Producing new artworks and events that foster connection and cultural vibrancy 

Since its inception, AoR has funded and supported artists, arts producers, and community partners in transforming public spaces and fostering artistic engagement throughout Santa Monica. Recognizing the evolving needs of the creative community, the initiative has expanded to introduce AoR Microgrants—a streamlined funding model designed to: 

• Foster new partnerships with Santa Monica-based artists, neighborhoods, and arts producers who have not previously received AoR funding. 

• Strengthen collaborations that align with the City’s strategic priorities by investing in artists as essential contributors to Santa Monica’s cultural and economic vitality, the AoR Microgrant Program ensures that the arts remain a driving force for community connection, resilience, and innovation. 

WHATS NEW 

• The application has been revised and simplified and will be completed on our new online application system Survey Monkey Apply.    

• Grantee and invoicing requirements and processes have been revised. See below for full details.    

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 

• Artists, arts producers, artist collectives, and artists at all stages of their careers are eligible to apply.  

• Additionally, business associations, neighborhood associations, community groups, nonprofit organizations, businesses, City of Santa Monica Divisions, and City of Santa Monica Staff Affinity Groups are all eligible to apply.  

• While applicants do not need to be based in Santa Monica, all proposed projects must take place within Santa Monica city limits and directly benefit the Santa Monica community. 

NOTE: Priority will be given to arts and cultural producers who have not previously received City funding. Current City of Santa Monica Grantees (CAP, OSP, Artist Fellows, AoR-Producing Partners) are still eligible to apply.  

Proposed projects must meet the following minimum criteria: 

• Occur between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. 

• Provide Santa Monica residents and visitors with increased access to high-quality arts and cultural activities. 

• Take place within the City of Santa Monica and be offered to City residents. 

• Projects must meet at least one of the following:   

• Activate a park, street or other public space  

• Be a gathering, festival or event 

• The program must be promoted to City residents, workers and visitors. 

• Projects must take place in, or be viewable from, public spaces in Santa Monica, while also being open to the public. 

• Projects must meet the AoR’s goals of enlivening public spaces and producing new artworks or events that strengthen and connect Santa Monicans.  

• Projects must adhere to the LA County Public Health safety guidelines. 

• While no cash match is required, projects that leverage other funding sources are encouraged. 

• Projects must support free or low-cost events.  

Not eligible for funding:  

• Capital improvement projects 

• Deficit programs 

• Fundraisers or events not open to the public 

• Projects that take place outside of Santa Monica 

• Retroactive or regularly occurring projects 
   

GRANT REQUESTS / AWARD AMOUNTS  

• Award amounts range from $500 to $5,000 per project 

• In addition to financial support, City staff can provide limited technical assistance.   

HOW TO APPLY 

• Applications must be submitted online via Survey Monkey Apply.  

• Survey Monkey Apply FAQ’s can be found here. 

• A sample application can be found here. It is highly recommended you draft your application in a separate document and then copy and paste into the online form.  

QUESTIONS?  

Please send application, guidelines and program questions to artsgrants@santamonica.gov.