Development Program

 The Development Program makes contracts up to $1,500 to support consultancies, mentorships, and travel opportunities that foster a new level of growth for individual folk & traditional artists and organizations in California. Requested services may be focused on organizational, program, and/or artistic development goals. Individual artists and cultural practitioners, as well as organizations, whether incorporated or not, may apply.

How do I apply?

To apply, download the instructions and application forms below.  Alternatively, call (559) 237-9812 to request a copy to be mailed to you.

We strongly suggest that you call ACTA staff to discuss your proposed development activity prior to applying.  Please consider attending an informational meeting or webinar.

DEADLINE: Ongoing as funds are available.  Please allow our staff 30 days to review and respond to your application.

PLEASE NOTE: CURRENTLY, WE ONLY HAVE FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR THIS PROGRAM IN SAN FRANCISCO AND ALAMEDA COUNTIES.

Development Program Guidelines and Application

En Español: Guía & Formas de Programa para el Desarrollo

How does the program work?

The Development Program is not a grant making program for project support. Instead, it is meant to provide specialized, short-term assistance via direct contracts to help applicants reach a new level of artistic or organizational growth .

Requests for organizational consultancies, artistic mentoring, and travel support may be submitted to ACTA at any time. ACTA staff asks that you allow 30 days to review your request and notify applicants of acceptance or decline. Please be sure to send in your request with enough time before assistance is needed.

If accepted, ACTA will contract directly with the requested mentor or consultant to provide the service requested by the applicant. Fees will be paid by ACTA after the service is completed and invoices and reports are received. For travel support, ACTA will reimburse travel expenses after receipts and reports are received.

Some Examples of Artistic Development Activities

• Workshops or master classes conducted by a master traditional artist or cultural practitioner (someone outside the applicant group or ensemble)

• Mentoring sessions by a master artist in an effort to expand repertoire of a group

• Travel to attend specialized artistic training activities

Some Examples of Organizational Development Activities

• Development of a marketing plan

• Guidance in launching an organization

• Expertise in producing a traditional community celebration

• Representatives of a newly formed organization visiting a more established "model" that shares a similar mission

• Documentation -- conceptual or technological support

• Cultural expertise to identify traditional artists for a public program