Culver City Observer -

This weekend, the Arts Council for Long Beach hosted informational workshops to encourage non-profit organizations and artists to apply to the $60 million California Creative Corps Program. The application deadline for community organizations is March 6, and the application deadline for artists is May 1.

This grant program seeks to bring resources to underserved communities and awareness of public health, environmental justice, social justice and uplift people with disabilities and

LGBTQIA2S+ populations as identified by the California Healthy Places Index. "We are excited to be one of only 14 organizations selected to administer this collaborative state

program. Through this new initiative, we will continue to expand opportunities for local artists and ensure that communities in two of California's most populous counties stay connected through art and creativity," said Griselda Suarez, Executive Director of the Arts Council for Long Beach. "This pilot program is an opportunity for nonprofit organizations to expand and incorporate new programs with dedicated artists at their side." The 30 nonprofit organizations selected will receive operational support and will be paired with individual artists or artist cohorts to collaborate on a year-long project. The result will be a work of art that involves the organization's target communities and addresses one or more of the program goals.

Non-profit organizations will be selected based on their work to serve vulnerable communities. They will receive a $30 thousand grant to provide artists with guidance, mentorship, and

essential resources. Artists will receive a $50 thousand grant plus additional funds to support the implementation of the year-long project. The California Creative Corps Program is funded by a $60 million one-time General Fund allocation to the California Arts Council. This pilot program will serve as a media, community outreach, and engagement campaign to increase awareness of the aforementioned program goals in under-resourced communities. "The California Creative Corps is a hallmark of forward-thinking innovation within government policy and a testament to just how clearly our state understands the value of artists in addressing critical issues facing all Californians," said Jonathan Moscone, Executive Director of the California Arts Council. We are extremely grateful to Governor Newsom and the Legislature for this pilot program. We are proud to serve as the lead collaborator with a mighty coalition of artists and arts and cultural institutions that will bring about new and creative ways for California to address its social and environmental challenges."