Are you an artist living in Sacramento looking for funding to grow your creative career?
The City of Sacramento has launched the Creative Growth Fellowship Program — a brand-new initiative offering $850 per month for 12 months to up to 200 individual artists across all disciplines. That’s a total grant of $10,200 per artist, completely unrestricted.
Whether you’re in visual arts, music, film, dance, or literary arts — this opportunity is for you.
What Is the Creative Growth Fellowship Program?
The Creative Growth Fellowship Program is part of Sacramento’s effort to rebuild its creative economy using ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds. The city has dedicated over $2 million to directly support working artists who live within Sacramento city limits.
Selected artists will receive:
- 💵 $850 monthly stipends for 12 months
- 🎨 No restriction on how the funds are used
- 📅 Application period: June 2 – June 20, 2025
- 📍 Only for residents of Sacramento city (not county)
“This program is about giving artists space and stability to grow. No strings attached.” — City of Sacramento Office of Arts and Culture
Who Is Eligible?
You are eligible if you:
- ✅ Live in the City of Sacramento
- ✅ Are 18 years or older
- ✅ Can show proof of artistic practice in eligible disciplines
Supported Art Disciplines Include:
- Crafts: ceramics, embroidery, jewelry, metalwork, textiles
- Music: original composers, musicians, DJs
- Dance, Theater, Film, Visual Arts, Design, Poetry
- Performance Art, Social Practice, Oral Traditions
- Interdisciplinary Arts
❌ Note: Culinary, cosmetology, and architecture are not eligible.
How to Apply for the Creative Growth Fellowship
🗓 Application Opens: June 2, 2025
⏳ Deadline: June 20, 2025 at 11:59 PM PST
💻 Where to Apply:
Required Documents:
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Proof of residency (utility bill, pay stub, rental agreement)
- Work samples (images, audio, text, or YouTube link)
- Completed application answers to 5 short essay questions (max 500 words each)
📌 Tip: Prepare your materials early. Late or incomplete applications won’t be accepted.
How Will Winners Be Selected?
Your application will be scored based on:
- 🎯 Commitment to Practice (30 pts)
- 🎨 Artistic Merit (30 pts)
- 🌍 Public Benefit (40 pts)
Top-scoring applicants will enter a random selection phase to ensure fairness.
Panelists from outside Sacramento will score applications to avoid conflicts of interest.
Application Support Is Available
Need help preparing your application?
Partner organizations such as Everyday Impact Consulting and Indie Things Possible are offering:
- Application guidance
- Info sessions
- Translation assistance (English/Spanish)
📅 Application Webinar: May 19, 2025 at 4 PM PST
FAQs About the Creative Growth Fellowship
How much funding will I receive?
Each selected artist will receive $850 per month for 12 months ($10,200 total).
Will I be taxed for this grant?
Yes. A 1099-MISC will be issued. Consult a tax advisor for guidance.
Is this considered a loan?
No. This is not a loan and does not need to be repaid.
Am I eligible if I work in Sacramento but live outside the city?
No. Only residents within Sacramento city limits are eligible.
Can I apply without a permanent address?
Yes. Work with a local shelter or housing provider to confirm residency in Sacramento.
Can undocumented residents apply?
Yes. Immigration or citizenship status does not affect eligibility.
Can I apply more than once?
No. Only one application per person is allowed. Submitting multiple applications will disqualify you from enrollment.
How long does the application take?
About 30 minutes once all materials are ready.
Need help?
Final Tips for a Strong Application
- 💡 Be clear and honest in your narrative
- 🖼 Submit your best work samples
- 📋 Review the scoring criteria and align your answers
- 🤝 Consider including a letter of support (optional but helpful)
Quick Links
- Download the Full Guidelines (English) PDF
- Download the Full Guidelines (Spanish) PDF
- Apply Online
- Application Webinar Registration
- Email for Questions
Ready to Apply?
Don’t miss your chance to be one of Sacramento’s 200 Creative Growth Fellows in 2025.
This is your time. Tell your story. Share your work. Grow your creative future.
