IDEA Grants


Diversity Grant 

Open for: Current students 

Description: The Diversity Grant is a funding opportunity in CalArts to support projects and performances related to diversity and multiculturalism. This grant funds student projects in support of diversity at CalArts through interaction, education, and practice. Collaborative proposals involving participants from more than one school are encouraged, and projects must be open and accessible to the Institute as a whole. It is important to clearly articulate how your project promotes diversity. By applying you are consenting to have your work shown on the IDEA webpage. This grant does not support travel. This grant is available during the fall & spring sessions. Late applications will not be accepted. 

Amount: Grants are available up to $300 via reimbursment. Funded projects may not be awarded the full amount of the request. 

Criteria: Grant applications are reviewed by the IDEA Grants Review Committee and evaluated based on the following: 

  • Clarity with which the project articulates how it addresses and/or engages with issues of diversity.

  • Clarity and viability of the project.

  • Accessibility, engagement, participation of the larger CalArts community.

Application Process: Visit the Hub for details on how to apply.

Questions: Contact Mariela DeMaio, IDEA Coordinator (mdemaio@calarts.edu)


Nick England Intercultural Arts Project (ICAP) Grant

Open for: Current students, faculty & staff 

Description: The Intercultural Arts Project (ICAP) Grant is a funding opportunity in CalArts to support projects and performances related to diversity and multiculturalism. ICAP was established at CalArts in 1988 to help increase and sustain the presence of artists from many cultures, with an emphasis on artists who live and work beyond the Eurocentric sphere while maintaining the aesthetic perspective of their specific backgrounds. The program seeks to foster the mutual exchange of aesthetic, social, and political concerns through artistic interaction among diverse artists, the CalArts community, and the wider constituencies of Southern California. This grant is available during the fall, winter and spring.sessions.  *Late applications will not be accepted. 

Amount: While there is no cap on ICAP grant amounts, awards tend to range between $500-$1,500. This is a competitive grant opportunity and not all proposals are guaranteed to receive funding. Additionally, it is not unusual for selected proposals to be awarded partial funding, so please prepare accordingly. A strong proposal will include a detailed budget that accounts for other revenue sources and indicates what funding is anticipated versus secured and an explanation on how you will be using the funds, if awarded.

Guidelines: Grant proposals should include an instructional component and an event. The event should be open to the entire Institute and take place during the academic year. If you are a current student applying, faculty should be directly involved in your project. There is an expectation of financial support from the School/ Department that is sponsoring the project. If awarded, funds will be transferred to your School/ Department. 

Criteria: Schools, programs or individuals may submit project proposals for consideration. Grant applications are reviewed by the IDEA Grants Review Committee. The Committee assesses, ranks and awards the applications on the basis of the following criteria: 

  • The proposal clearly articulates how the project addresses the goal of the grant, which is "to foster the mutual exchange of aesthetic, social, and political concerns through artistic interaction among diverse artists, the CalArts community, and the wider constituencies of Southern California."
  • The proposal includes a clearly articulated plan for how the event component will engage the entire Institute, including how the event will be publicized and made accessible to the larger CalArts community.
  • The proposal clearly defines the instructional component and its intended audience.
  • The project is viable, with respect to the project's proposed timeline, budget, and level of department sponsorship.

Application Proccess: Visit the Hub for details on how to apply

Questions: Contact Mariela DeMaio, IDEA Program Coordinator (mdemaio@calarts.edu)



Tina Perry and Ric Whitney Black Arts Grant (BAG)

Open for: Current students 

Description: Tina Perry and Ric Whitney have generously come forward to create and support the Black Arts Grant (BAG). The Black Arts Grant (BAG) will award 4 eligible students a $2,500 award by check. This grant is available during the fall session. 

 Eligibility Criteria: 

In order to be considered for the Black Arts Grant (BAG), applicants must:

  • Be in good academic standing. 
  • Be currently a BFA3, BFA4 or a graduate student. 
  • Students pursuing study in any métier or field are eligible.
  • Submit a short application by the deadline. *Late applications will not be accepted. 
  • BAG recipients agree to create a token of thanks through any medium the awardee finds appropriate for the donors and agrees to attend a celebratory meeting. 

Application Proccess: Visit the Hub for details on how to apply

Questions: Contact Mariela DeMaio, IDEA Program Coordinator (mdemaio@calarts.edu)