Overview
The Department of Cultural Affairs seeks to commission one (1) arts organization to provide services in the healing arts as part of the Freedom Fest. Traditionally held on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, the festival was rescheduled to June 19, 2025 as part of this year’s Juneteenth celebrations.
Artists are our last responders! They can take what has happened in the world, transform it, and give it back to us in ways humanity can process— mind, body and spirit. Arts organizations who provide therapeutic arts and/or social justice services through the arts as a prescription and pathway to healing and wholeness are encouraged to apply. The winning organization will be provided a booth alongside the Performing Arts Division (PERF) at this year’s festival.
Commission Award: $2,500.00
Project Timeline:
- March 24, 2025 – Application Deadline
- March 25, 2025 – Peer-Panel Review Begins
- April 1, 2025 – Commission Winner Announced
Photo from 4C LAB booth at MLK Day of Service, Freedom Festival, Andrea Miller
~ LPCH APPLICATION GUIDELINES ~
Applicants must live or work within the geographic boundaries of Council Districts 8, 9 and 10. Visit neighborhoodinfo.lacity.gov, enter your physical street address in the search field, and click on “FIND.” In your search result, you should see your City Council District number and the LA City Councilmember’s name listed under Elected Officials.
Applicants receiving 2025 grants from DCA’s Grants Division are not eligible for commissions.
The individual or organization receiving the commission payment must submit a copy of their Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC). For more information visit finance.lacity.gov/
The City of Los Angeles does not front fund projects. Disbursement of commission payments will take place after presentation of the culminating program or exhibit.
Please forward questions to dca-perfom@lacity.org or call 213.202.5551.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Submission requirements and scoring below. To be considered, interested artists and/or arts organizations must submit following by the application deadline stated on the call:
Cover Letter (10 points)
Includes an introduction, Council District in which you work and/or reside, and the specific call for which you are applying and why.
Proposal (10 points)
A paragraph describing the proposed work/ festival and use of the commission funds outlined in a budget. Visual artists, please submit your proposed design(s).
A Short Bio (10 points)
A brief biography detailing the applicant’s background, accomplishments and artistic statement.
Resume (10 points)
A comprehensive resume outlining your experience relative to the call.
Work Sample(s) (10 points)
Links to video/film samples (up to five minutes) showcasing the applicant’s work relative to the call for which you are applying. Black Arts @ WAA, please submit a full length archival video.
Social Media and Press (10 points)
Provide any links to social media, reviews, press coverage, or testimonials of previous projects.
BTRC (Business Tax Registration Certificate) (10 points)
The artist or organization receiving the commission payment must submit a copy of their BTRC.
The highest total score that can be reached by peer-panel review is 70 points.
Please forward your packet of materials to dca-perform@lacity.org with the heading LPCH: Call for (name of call), in the subject line by 11:59 p.m. on the deadline indicated.