Transgender, Gender Diverse, Intersex Arts Grant

The Transgender, Gender Diverse, Intersex (TGI+) Arts Grant is an initiative of the City of West Hollywood designed to empower and support artists whose work centers on the lived experiences and cultural narratives of the TGI+ community. Established by City Council in 2013, this funding program reaffirms the city’s longstanding commitment to equity, cultural visibility, and creative inclusion. Administered by the City’s Arts Division and the Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission, the grant recognizes the essential role of art in uplifting marginalized voices and building community engagement through the arts. This annual program is open to individual artists, artist collectives, and nonprofit arts organizations that either identify as TGI+ or whose project teams and proposed works are led by, or deeply engage, transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex communities. Eligibility also requires applicants to be based in Los Angeles County and to ensure that their projects are arts-focused, public-facing, and physically located within a five-block radius of the City of West Hollywood. Applicants may only apply to one City of West Hollywood arts grant category per year and may not receive funding for the same project from other City sources. The TGI+ Arts Grant prioritizes projects that demonstrate authentic representation, meaningful community engagement, and a strong artistic vision. Projects may take the form of performances, exhibitions, screenings, workshops, or similar activities, and must reflect TGI+ identity, culture, or lived experience. Selected proposals should offer clear goals, timelines, and impact narratives, and must include recent work samples and a feasible, well-aligned budget. Applicants must also submit a plan for community outreach or public participation, which will be considered during review. Total funding available in this category is $30,000, with a maximum award of $6,500 per grantee. Funding decisions are made through a structured peer review process involving a seven-member panel of qualified arts professionals. Proposals are scored on criteria such as project clarity, financial soundness, community connection, and TGI+ representation. Applications that meet eligibility standards are forwarded to the Performing Arts and Cultural Affairs Subcommittee and the Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission, with final approval by City Council. An additional bonus point is awarded to applicants with a business location in West Hollywood. The application process is entirely online and must be completed through the City’s website by 3:00 p.m. on July 1, 2026. Following submission, selected applicants will be notified of funding decisions in October 2026. Grantees will be required to attend an in-person orientation, provide liability insurance, and submit a final report after project completion. Award disbursement may begin as early as February 2027, pending completion of all contracting requirements. Projects are not eligible to be part of the City’s WeHo Pride events and must be considered as standalone efforts. This grant plays a critical role in enhancing professional development and career pathways for TGI+ artists while celebrating their contributions to West Hollywood’s cultural identity. It encourages bold artistic exploration and fosters inclusive public programming that affirms the city’s broader values of diversity, creative expression, and community celebration.

Emphasize community impact and authentic representation of TGI+ identities.