Neighborhood Engagement Artist Residency (NEAR) and Creative Optimism-Uplifting Promises (CO-UP) Grants (2026-27)

The City of Los Angeles, Cultural Affairs department is offering grants for the Neighborhood Engagement Artist Residency (NEAR) and Creative Optimism-Uplifting Promises (CO-UP) programs. These grants support individual freelance teaching artists who serve as project-leaders to design and manage a series of community-relevant workshops that culminate in public, community presentations. The grants can range up to $12,000 or $15,000 and must take place in non-conventional arts spaces. Key aspects of the job include: • Designing and managing community-relevant workshops • Leading projects in non-conventional arts spaces • Collaborating with social justice organizations • Creating public, community presentations • Managing a budget of up to $12,000 or $15,000