Organizer Information
The City of Berkeley’s Office of Economic Development (OED), through its Civic Arts program, is the central administrative body responsible for fostering a vibrant cultural ecosystem in Berkeley, California. The Civic Arts program supports the local community by funding grants for artists and cultural organizations, managing the city’s extensive public art collection, and developing policies that integrate arts into the urban fabric. Their mission is to ensure that the arts remain a fundamental part of Berkeley’s identity, providing equitable access to cultural resources and creating opportunities for creators to contribute to the city's civic life. By utilizing professional submission platforms like Submittable, they maintain a transparent, merit-based process for selecting high-caliber artistic projects that reflect the diverse voices of the region.
Title & Description
City of Berkeley Civic Arts Grant Program & Public Art Commissions
This open call encompasses various active opportunities within the City of Berkeley’s cultural portfolio. The primary objective is to activate public spaces and support individual artistic development through project-based funding and commissions. Depending on the specific active cycle, artists are invited to propose projects that engage with Berkeley’s unique social history, environmental landscape, or community diversity. Participants experience a professional collaboration with municipal government, transforming their creative concepts into tangible civic assets. The program aims to enrich the daily lives of residents while providing a platform for artists to demonstrate the power of creativity in a civic context.
Categories
The opportunities provided by the City of Berkeley cover a wide spectrum of creative fields, including but not limited to:
- Visual Art (Murals, permanent installations, and temporary projects)
- Performance (Music, dance, and site-specific theater)
- Literature & Writing (Community-based literary projects)
- Media Arts & Video
- Architecture & Design (Specifically for urban intervention projects)
- Textile Art & Craft (When applied to public commissions)
Eligibility
- International/National/Regional: Eligibility varies by specific grant. While many individual artist grants are reserved for Berkeley residents or those based in the San Francisco Bay Area, larger public art commissions are often open to National or International applicants.
- Professional Level: Typically open to emerging, mid-career, and established artists.
- Inclusivity: The City of Berkeley strongly encourages applications from historically marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ artists, artists of color, and creators with disabilities.
- Age Limit: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
Program Benefits & Awards
Successful applicants receive significant structural and financial support, which may include:
- Cash Grants: Ranging from $3,000 for individual projects to $50,000+ for major public art commissions.
- Exhibition & Public Exposure: Realization of work in high-traffic city locations or official city galleries.
- Mentorship & Technical Assistance: Guidance on permitting, safety standards, and public installation logistics.
- Production Budget: Direct funding for materials, labor, and installation costs for commissioned pieces.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Artist Resume/CV: Detailing professional history and past projects.
- Portfolio: 5–10 high-quality images or video links of previous work.
- Artist Statement: Explaining the core philosophy of your practice.
- Project Proposal: A detailed narrative of what you intend to create.
- Budget Proposal: A line-item breakdown of how funds will be utilized.
- References: Contact information for professional collaborators.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadlines: 12 January 2026
Location
Berkeley, California, United States
Additional Details
Applicants should pay close attention to the "General Guidelines" provided for each specific grant type. The City of Berkeley emphasizes "Community Engagement"; proposals that include a public-facing component (such as a workshop, talk, or neighborhood participation) often score higher in the review process. It is also recommended to attend the pre-application webinars, usually hosted by the Civic Arts staff.