Grants: Creative Youth Development

The Creative Youth Development program (formerly Youth Arts Action) is rooted in the California Arts Council's (CAC'S) belief that arts learning is an essential tool for healthy human development and that it should be available to all young people throughout California. The CAC envisions that all of California’s young people are provided with meaningful, culturally responsive arts-learning experiences so that they can reach their full potential.

Deadline to apply is January 26, 2023.

View Grant Details

Beneficiaries of Creative Youth Development projects include youth from infancy to 24 years of age. All projects occur outside of traditional school hours, taking place in arts venues, community centers, school sites, and other youth-oriented settings.

Children ages 0-5 and school-age youth are a priority for this program, with successful projects demonstrating the ability to cultivate positive social and emotional development, as well as promote artistic expression and creativity.  Support for transitional individuals, ages 18 to 24, are an additional priority, with successful projects demonstrating the capacity to engage with transitional youth in relevant, dynamic, and innovative ways.

Applicant organizations can request up to $40,000 for the two-year grant period.

Staff assistance is available by contacting Natalie Peeples, Arts Program Specialist at
creativeyouthgrant@arts.ca.gov.