Call for Host Organizations

Host Organization Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

This grant opportunity is for arts and cultural organizations interested in hosting an arts administrator for a 12-month paid fellowship, while being dedicated to equity and community engagement. The intention of this grant program is to provide as broad a geographic reach as possible and support art administrators in all disciplines.  

Applications from a broad spectrum of art organizations, artistic disciplines, organizational backgrounds, and geographies are sought. 

Applicants must comply with the requirements below:

California-based arts/cultural organization: 1) non-governmental applicant organizations who can demonstrate proof of nonprofit status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or section 23701d of the California Revenue and Taxation Code and 2) Arts-based units of government are eligible to apply.

Arts programming: Applicants must have a minimum two-year history of consistent engagement in arts programming and/or services prior to the application deadline. 

Applicants must provide a minimum of two years of basic financial information.  

Commitment: Organizations must be able to commit to hosting a full-time fellowship program (35-40 hours/week) for the designated duration of 12 months starting in early 2024 (no later than February 1) and assign a lead staff member to provide rigorous guidance to the fellow regardless of the mode of work (hybrid, virtual or in-person).

Working Environment: Applying organizations should demonstrate a strong desire to create a learning and supportive environment for emerging arts administrators to develop their skills and knowledge in arts administration through the fellowship program in any form of work (hybrid, virtual, or in-person). The mode of work is to be negotiated by the host and the fellow with the goal of ensuring the most efficient outcomes.

Collaboration: Organizations should have the ability to work collaboratively with diverse individuals and groups within a co-learning community.

Application Process

To apply, please submit the following information:

• Completed Application Form
• Work sample(s)
• Statement of Support from a partner organization or a former intern/fellow.

Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel of arts administrators and arts administration educators. The organizers will do their best to notify applicants by November 20, 2023, though the evaluation process might take longer depending on the number of applications.

Application Review Criteria

A review panel will evaluate all eligible applications based on the following criteria. Application questions will address these same criteria. 

Public Service & Impact (35% of score)

• Strong record in providing accessible arts and/or cultural programming and community engagement.
• Demonstrates commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in the art sector.
• Fosters a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion for historically excluded and marginalized artists, arts managers, and cultural practitioners.
• Demonstrates the applicant organization’s experience in elevating diverse communities in California’s nonprofit arts and culture fields.

Organizational Capacity and Readiness (50% of score)

• Demonstrates potential to positively impact the fellow’s career.
• Demonstrates the organization and key project personnel’s ability to plan and conduct a productive fellowship program.
• Demonstrates readiness to host a fellow with a clear plan and realistic goals for the time of their fellowship and relevant to the mode of work.
• Assesses the organization’s interest and readiness to hosting an Arts Administrator’s fellow.

Quality (15% of score)

• Demonstrates sustainability and the capacity to provide cultural programs that are realistic and relevant to its mission.
• Provides evidence of experience and quality in the execution of its arts and cultural programs.
• Arts programming demonstrates a culture of inclusion, equity, and diversity, integrated in the fabric of the organization.

Placement Process

After being selected by the review panel, fellows will be matched with arts organizations across California that can provide a fellowship experience aligned with each candidate’s professional skills and goals. To ensure exposure to the geographic and cultural diversity of California, a broad range of host organizations will be sought. As a fellow-driven program, arts administrators will be given the option to rank the selected host organizations by their top choices. However, please note that an ideal match will be attempted but cannot be guaranteed.

Reporting

At the conclusion of the Arts Administration Fellowship, each host organization will be required to submit a final report. Additionally, selected audio/visual documentation may be included as appropriate. Interim feedback and regular check-ins will be scheduled.