Organizer Information:
The Goethe-Institut is Germany’s cultural institute with a global reach, dedicated to promoting international cultural cooperation. The Los Angeles branch works to connect cultural workers, artists, and communities through innovative programs, exhibitions, performances, and public engagement initiatives. The institute provides institutional support, resources, and a platform for experimentation and visibility for emerging and under-recognized artists.
Title & Description:
Open Call for Cultural Workers & Creatives 2026 – This program seeks Los Angeles-based cultural workers, artists, artisans, curators, performers, choreographers, musicians, filmmakers, and other creatives to develop and realize cultural programs in the Westlake/MacArthur Park area. For 2026, three projects will be selected for exhibitions, installations, performances, or other programs. One project will focus specifically on the theme of PUNK, marking 50 years of the music genre, DIY culture, and its cultural impact. Awardees will have the opportunity to program the Goethe-Institut Project Space, gaining experience in exhibition management, community engagement, and creative production.
Categories:
Visual Art, Performing Arts, Music, Film, Curation, Community Arts, Multi-disciplinary Projects.
Eligibility:
- Must be based in Los Angeles
- Open to cultural workers, creatives, artists, artisans, curators, performers, choreographers, musicians, filmmakers, and others
- Extra consideration for applicants residing or working in Westlake/MacArthur Park or the surrounding areas
- Preference given to under-recognized artists (no major gallery representation or solo exhibitions in the past five years)
Program Benefits & Awards:
- Up to a ten-week program at the Goethe-Institut Los Angeles Project Space
- $2,000 unrestricted honorarium for curatorial research and work
- $4,000 production budget for creating, installing, and de-installing the project
- Mentorship from jury members upon request
- Opportunities to develop related public programming
- Press and promotional support via Goethe-Institut networks
- Opening reception and engagement with the local community
- Hands-on experience in exhibition/project management and community-focused programming
Application Fee:
No Entry fee
Application Requirements:
- CV or resume
- Brief project synopsis (up to 150 words)
- Detailed project proposal, including concept, plan, and explanation of the project’s relevance and expected impact
- Preliminary budget proposal (additional funding beyond the $4,000 budget encouraged)
- Optional: list of proposed works, images or links to works, short bios for each participating artist, and/or work samples
- Option to submit application via video to accommodate varying literacy levels
How to Apply:
Submit applications and all materials to Daniel.chaffey@goethe.de
Key Dates:
- Application Deadline: 5 January 2026
- Notification Date: January 2026
Location:
Westlake/MacArthur Park, Los Angeles, United States
Additional Details:
- Proposals should focus on innovative, engaging, and community-relevant projects
- Preference for projects demonstrating understanding of Westlake/MacArthur Park’s history and dynamics
- Projects should allow flexibility for growth; previously exhibited works are less favorable
- Selected participants will work closely with Goethe-Institut staff to administer the space, organize, install, promote the program, and engage the public
Website Link: https://www.goethe.de/ins/us/en/sta/los/ocm.html
