Art of Recovery

As part of the city of Santa Monica’s Economic Recovery Task Force, the Art of Recovery grant program harnesses the arts to play a major role in recovery efforts while highlighting Santa Monica as a place of culture and unique experiences. Inspired by the WPA-era’s Federal Art Project, this initiative puts artists to work to implement projects that focus on City Council's five strategic priorities:

Clean & Safe: Helping the city to maintain and enhance an atmosphere marked by clean and safe public spaces and neighborhoods.

Addressing Homelessness: Advocating for regional capacity to address homelessness.

Economic Growth & Cultural Vitality: Cultivating economic opportunity and recovery and investing in amenities and programs for all community members.

Justice, Equity & Diversity: Advancing racial equity, justice and social diversity to improve the wellbeing of people who live, work, learn, play and do business here.

Sustainable & Connected: Enhancing our resources, preventing and remedying harm to natural environment and human health, and benefiting the social and economic wellbeing of the community.

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Contact Us:

(310) 458-8350
culture@santamonica.gov

FAQ

What is the deadline to submit a Project Concept Form? How long will it take to hear back?

Art of Recovery has a rolling deadline. Submitting a Project Concept is the first step of the grant process, and submissions will be reviewed monthly. Applications received by the last day of the month will be reviewed the following month. Applicants will hear back within 90 days from submission on whether their Project Concept has been shortlisted. Shortlisted Project Concepts may or may not be invited to the second step of the process, developing a Project Proposal.

How do projects get paired with a Production Partner? What is the role of the Production Partner?

Many factors go into the pairing of a project with a Production Partner. The intention is for the best alignment in terms of project support and things such as the location of the project, and the expertise and capacity of the Production Partner, contribute to the decision. Depending on the team’s and project’s needs, Production Partners may have more of a hands-on role or more of an advisory role. This will be agreed up on in advance by both the project team and Production Partner.

What is or isn’t allowed due to COVID?

As of February 2022, temporary artworks and installations, as well as time-based art or events are permitted under the guidelines. As certain activities are allowed to resume, the Health Officer continues to urge residents to proceed with caution. Safety protocols still need to be considered. See the links below for more information:

Can multiple Project Concepts be submitted?

Yes, each idea should be submitted separately. Only one project per person/team will be funded at a time.

Do selected projects get funded at the beginning or the end of the contract?

75% of each grant will be paid at the beginning, and the remaining 25% once the project is completed. The purpose of this program is to pay artists for their work not put an undue burden on them.