Sacramento artists invited to apply for new fellowship program

Sacramento artists and creatives can now apply for the Creative Growth Fellowship, a funding opportunity that provides $850 per month for one year to support their work.

Managed by the City of Sacramento’s Office of Arts and Culture, the fellowship will offer direct financial support for up to 200 individual artists working across multiple disciplines.

“This is more than just funding—it’s about creating space for artists to grow and thrive in Sacramento,” said Melissa Cirone, grants and programs manager for the Office of Arts and Culture. “The fellowship offers a valuable opportunity for direct support, and we hope to see as many eligible artists as possible take advantage of it.”

The Creative Growth Fellowship is part of the City’s broader strategy to invest in the creative sector using federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. In October 2024, the Sacramento City Council established the Creative Growth Support Fund to support artists impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The application period will remain open through June 20. Artists are encouraged to apply early and ensure all materials are submitted before the deadline.

Who is eligible

To qualify, applicants must:

Be 18 years or older;
Live within the city of Sacramento;
Demonstrate active work in an eligible artistic discipline, such as visual arts, music, theater, dance, literary arts, performance, interdisciplinary practices, and more.

Artists in fields such as cosmetology, culinary arts, architecture, wellness, and other disciplines are not eligible. Individuals affiliated with City government, including boards or commissions, are also ineligible to apply.

Each selected fellow will receive a total of $10,200 over the 12-month period.

Learn more and apply

Complete guidelines for the Creative Growth Fellowship are available on the City’s website and applications will be accepted now through June 20, 2025, 11:59 p.m. (PST).

General questions can be sent to creativegrowth@cityofsacramento.org.

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