NoHo Afterschool Performing Arts Classes in California

The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) Performing Arts Division has announced an open call for arts organizations to apply for a $2,000 commission to facilitate afterschool performing arts classes for youth aged 7 to 16. This initiative aims to enhance the NoHo Arts District by engaging young participants in various aspects of performing arts. The program will take place at the Lankershim Arts Center in North Hollywood, running from March 18 to May 29, 2025, with sessions held Tuesday through Thursday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. This grant is intended for established or emerging performing arts organizations that specialize in fields such as musical theater, costume design, set design, sound design, videography, music production, stage management, and more. The selected organization must be based in or actively working within Council District 2 and should already have an existing student base while being open to new enrollments. The program's primary goal is to inspire and educate youth through structured arts instruction. The selected organization will be responsible for teaching 2-3 classes covering various performing arts disciplines. They will also be expected to manage class spaces efficiently, create a focused curriculum, document student engagement, and comply with the City’s risk management and safety protocols, including Livescan background checks for all instructors. Additionally, organizations are required to actively promote their participation through social media and ensure compliance with administrative and contractual requirements. Applications are due by February 14, 2025, and must be submitted via email with all required materials. The selection process will be based on a peer-reviewed scoring system, evaluating applicants on their biography, video samples of past work, social media presence, and proposal content. Organizations based within North Hollywood will receive additional points. Applicants must submit a brief biography detailing their experience working with youth in performing arts, a video sample showcasing their instructional approach, links to social media accounts and press coverage, and a proposal outlining the structure and theme of their proposed classes. A valid Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) is also required to process the commission payment. The final selection will be announced on February 21, 2025, with registration for the classes opening on February 24, 2025. The awarded commission will be disbursed approximately six to nine months after the program's completion. This funding opportunity offers an excellent chance for arts organizations to contribute to the cultural enrichment of the NoHo community while expanding their outreach and instructional capabilities.