Art of Recovery

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

GUIDELINES & APPLICATION

Applications are not currently being accepted. Check back in Summer 2025 for updated guidelines and application.

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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.