Request-for-Proposals: Performing Artists and Arts Organizations
The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) Performing Arts Division (PERF) is proud to announce commissions in the disciplines of dance, music, theater, film/ media, and the visual arts through its Leimert Park Cultural Hub (LPCH).
Leimert Park Cultural Hub’s mission is to assist festival producers and local artists with funding for projects intended to help provide human and financial resources, as well as a supportive framework for local artists to create art in the disciplines of dance, music, theater and film. In addition, its mission is to enhance public spaces ensuring ongoing cultural vitality and creativity that delivers artistic benefit to the community. Leimert Park Festival support is meant to help advance, expand and incentivize the number of performing artists featured in culturally-specific festivals, community celebrations, gatherings, artistic and activations.
DCA’s Performing Arts Division serves as the heart of the City’s support of live dance, music, theater, film/digital media art forms and culture. At the core of its mission, PERF produces world-class local programming, as catalysts for economic development, community engagement, and civic education and pride. PERF uses an independent, peer-review panel and process to select artists that create and present programming across the City of Los Angeles.
Please find Request-for-Proposals (RFP) details below. Deadlines subject to change.
Request-for-Proposals: Performing Arts Companies and/or Touring Solo Artists
The Department of Cultural Affairs seeks to commission three (3) performing arts groups or and/or solo artists in the disciplines of dance, theater and music, to perform for the Opening Ceremonies of Western Arts Alliance’s (WAA) annual convention held at the NoVo Center located in DTLA on September 2, 2025. The affinity group showcased at this year’s convention is Black Arts @ WAA. The winning companies and/or solo artists will have fifteen (15) minutes to showcase an existing work ready to tour, or the premier of a new work for presenter consideration. Proposals should include a video of the live performance.
Western Arts Alliance (WAA) is a membership association of touring and performing arts professionals engaged in promoting and presenting performing arts throughout the Western states and provinces. Serving members since 1967, our annual booking conference and year-round programs are essential for artists, artist managers, presenters, and other performing arts professionals in the West.
Commission Award: A total of three $5,000 awards (one for a dance company, one for a theater company, and one for a music company)
Project Timeline:
May 5, 2025 – Application Deadline
May 12, 2025 – Peer-Panel Review Begins
May 19, 2025 – Commission Winners Announced
For more information visit https://www.westarts.org/
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
FUNDING AND PAYMENT CONDITIONS
The City of Los Angeles does not front-fund projects. The commission will be paid in full after the conclusion of the project, and when all contractual requirements have been met. Please note that this may take up to six (6) to nine (9) months to complete.
Applicants receiving 2025/ 2026 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 https://finance.lacity.gov/tax-education/new-business-registration/how-register-btrc.
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, artist statement, 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 documents, 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 (Your Last Name) RFP: (Name of Call), in the subject line by 11:59 p.m. on the deadline indicated.