CAC Individual Artist Fellows
Through unrestricted funding and state-wide recognition as a California Arts Council Artist Fellow, this program is meant to uplift individual artistic practice. It is intended to recognize and increase artists’ capacity for continued contribution to the field and our state. Fellowships will support artists of all disciplines at key career stages: Emerging, Established, and Legacy.
2026-2027 Individual Artist Fellowship Opens April 15
The Individual Artist Fellowship (IAF) program supports practicing artists across the Central Coast region, including Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties.
For the Central Coast region, the program is administered by the Santa Cruz County Arts Council.
Artists from Santa Barbara County are eligible to apply, but applications and program administration are managed through the Santa Cruz County Arts Council.
For full program guidelines, eligibility details, and to begin your application, please visit:
https://artscouncilsc.org/opportunities-resources/grants/individual-artist-fellowship-iaf/
Key Dates
Need Help with Your Application?
The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture will be offering virtual drop-in office hours for artists interested in applying to the Individual Artist Fellowship.
Staff can answer questions about eligibility, preparing your application, and navigating the grants portal.
Additional sessions will be addedd over the next several weeks.
All sessions are held via Zoom and registration is required.
Friday, April 3 12pm-1pm
Friday, April 15 12pm-1pm
Application Orientation: April 15 (1:00–2:30 PM) and April 23 (6:30–8:00 PM)
Application Deadline: June 1 at 5:00 PM
Panel Review Period: June 10 – July 31
Panel Interviews – Legacy Finalists: August 3–7
Award Notification: August 31
Fellowship Term: September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027
Because the program is administered regionally, all applications must be submitted through the Santa Cruz County Arts Council’s grant portal.
Congratulations to the 2023-24 Artist Fellows from Santa Barbara County!
