A Laboratory of Artistic Collaboration
A Laboratory of Artistic Collaboration
Transformative Grant Writing Program
Arturo and Therese’s first collaboration at the Emerging Arts Professionals Fellowship.
Empowering artists to fund their projects.
about the program
Arts.Co.Lab is inviting artists for the upcoming Cohort of Transformative Grant Writing designed to mentor a group of Collaborative Artists on the grant-seeking and proposal-writing process with a practical approach to break the mold of institutional bureaucracy involved in the creation of community art with Clarity, Focus, Ease, and Grace.
This program is for you if you are:
- Working with under-resourced communities in the arts or arts education.
- Making platforms and programming available for unheard voices.
- Sharing stories, struggles, and solutions from your community.
The Arts.Co.Lab Transformative Grant Writing Program is designed to mentor a cohort of Artists on the proposal-writing process with a practical approach to the creation of community-based art with Clarity, Focus, Ease, and Grace.
PROGRAM FEATURES
ENHANCING
Enhancing your understanding of California’s arts and culture funding ecosystem.
DEVELOPING
Developing practical skills to apply for grants, fellowships, residencies, sponsorships, and partnerships.
lEARNING
Learning how to incubate your project with the support of an artist network.
GROUNDING
Grounding your funding narrative in programs led by and tailored for historically under-resourced. communities.
Writing
Writing proposals to create and present work centered around community involvement.
Inspiration isn’t something you wait for, it’s something you work for.
Juan Manuel Carmona painting in the Castro District.
REQUIRED COMMITMENT
This is an intensive program intended for Artists and Creative Entrepreneurs that are ready to take their practice to the next level by committing weekly to:
Participating actively in 7 Training Sessions
Schedule and honor 6 1-hour Individual Coaching Sessions
Nurturing the connections created in the space - Support Buddy tool
At least 1 hour of writing, and 1 hour of independent study a week
Additionally: Participate in Co-working Sessions
‘La Diaspora Festival in Puebla, Mexico. IG: @ladiasporafest’
VIRTUAL MEETING DATES
All our sessions are held on Zoom on SATURDAYS, 10:00 AM – 12:3O PM. We also will be holding space for three coworking sessions, Tuesdays 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm where artists receive peer review and hold space for the final submission of their applications:
| Training Sessions on Saturdays - 10:00 am - 12:30 pm (PST) 2026 Training Dates TBA |
|
|---|---|
| Orientation | |
| Session #1 | |
| Session #2 | |
| INDEPENDENT STUDY WEEK | |
| Session #3 | |
| Session #4 | |
| INDEPENDENT STUDY WEEK | |
| Session #5 | |
| Session #6 | |
| Plus 2 Co-Working Sessions on Thursdays | |
This program’s success is our curriculum developed based on existing grants (SFAC, CAC, DCA, and others) as a template for artists to develop their projects. The materials developed during this process become the baseline for artists to apply for grants, residencies, fellowships, and sponsorships developing your collateral such as:
- Artist Bio
- Artistic Narrative
- Cultural Equity Statement
- Work Samples
- Community Impact
- Resume
- Grant Plan
- And much more…
WHAT THE PROGRAM INCLUDES
Is a total of 30 hours of dedicated personal and professional development with Transformative Grant Writing.
Training Sessions (2.5 hrs)
7 sessions (17.5 hrs)
Coworking Sessions (2 hrs)
3 Sessions (6 hrs
Coaching Sessions (1 hr)
6 Sessions (6 hrs)
Testimonials
Lazaro Ruiz, TGW Cohort 11
"Because of the Arts Co Lab program, I’ve not only been able to find myself but also secure grants that have helped me grow. This program truly stands as one of the best things happening for artists in our city. A huge thank you to Arturo for creating such an incredible space, and a special shout-out to Mo for spending countless hours helping me discover who I truly am as an artist. I’ve learned that I’m not just a screen printer – I am a Visual Artist. Grateful for this journey!"
Alejandra Rubio, TGW Cohort 8
"Much love to Arts.Co.Lab for all the support and guidance over the years When I first started my artist journey- I started with them. And they really helped lay the foundation for me to grow and apply to arts opportunities."
INVESTMENT
Sliding Scale
$800 to $1500
Dependent on your income level.
Initial Payment
$150
Due upon acceptance to confirm your participation.
We want artists who would traditionally don’t have access to grant writing training to participate in our program. We can support participants in creating financial clarity and applying for funds that can help pave the way to accessibility and participation.
Individual artists in California may be eligible to apply for a Professional Development Fund to cover a portion of the cost of this course.
Rasa Vitalia for La Diaspora Festival
NEXT STEPS
Arts.Co.Lab is a BIPOC led and centered space and everyone who can commit to the required commitments is encouraged to apply.
Go to our Calendly, and schedule a 30-minute exploratory call:
We are committed to supporting artists in getting through the bureaucracy of the system, we are looking forward to supporting your vision, let’s talk!
