The City of Laguna Beach Arts Commission is now accepting applications for the 2025 Innovation Grants for Artists, a program aimed at supporting emerging, mid-career, and established artists who live, work, or exhibit in Laguna Beach. The grants, which range from $5,000 to $30,000, are designed to promote artistic experimentation, foster creativity, and encourage community engagement by supporting projects that center around in-person art experiences, art-making, or artists. The focus is on innovative ideas or products that introduce something new to the artist’s audience. Applications are due by January 10, 2025.
This grant program is made possible through funding provided by the City of Laguna Beach and local lodging establishments. Its goal is to encourage artists to explore creative boundaries, make significant contributions to the local arts ecosystem, and engage the public in meaningful artistic experiences. Projects may include performances, publications, lectures, exhibitions, masterclasses, or workshops. The grant supports work that will be undertaken between April 1, 2025, and April 30, 2027. At the conclusion of the grant period, recipients are required to provide a summary of their expenditures, a description of the project’s outcomes, and present their work to the Arts Commission during a regular meeting.
Eligible applicants must be 18 years or older and demonstrate a history of artistic practice through a professional resume. The grant is open to artists at different career stages: emerging artists, mid-career artists, and established artists. Emerging artists, those in the early stages of making their work public, may apply for grants between $5,000 and $10,000. Mid-career artists, who have several years of experience and a demonstrated record of public engagement, may request grants ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. Established artists, who have produced a significant body of work over a substantial period and whose projects have made a broad cultural impact, may apply for grants ranging from $20,000 to $30,000.
Artists are required to apply in only one career category, although the judging panel reserves the right to adjust the applicant’s classification based on the submitted application. Applications will be reviewed by the Arts Commission on March 10, 2025, with final decisions announced on March 17, 2025, although these dates are subject to change.
For more information or assistance with the application process, artists can contact Siân Poeschl, Cultural Arts Manager, via email at spoeschl@lagunabeachcity.net. Applications must be submitted online through the City of Laguna Beach’s website.
