Art of Recovery

PROGRAM HISTORY & DESCRIPTION

The Art of Recovery (AoR) initiative launched in November 2020 as part of the City of Santa Monica’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery efforts. Designed to harness the power of the arts in revitalizing community life, AoR highlights Santa Monica as a cultural hub and destination for unique experiences. The initiative includes two core programs—AoR Microgrants and AoR Producing Partners—alongside signature events and collaborations such as Frieze Los Angeles, and citywide partnerships like the 150th Anniversary Microgrant and Local Canvas.

Inspired by the WPA-era Federal Art Project, AoR was designed to be responsive and adaptable and support Santa Monica’s artists and economy by: employing artists and arts producers, partnering with businesses to stimulate economic activity, enlivening public spaces, including parks, streets, and other community areas and producing new artworks and events that foster connection and cultural vibrancy.

Since its launch in November 2020, the Art of Recovery initiative has:

Provided Project Support for:

82 projects
144 in-person events
32 exhibitions and installations
17 street activations
27 media projects
18 online activations

Contributed to the Creative Workforce Paying:

575 artists
217 arts Producers and other creatives
792 total creatives

Facilitated 297 Partnerships with:

Non-profits
For-profit businesses
Business Improvement Districts
City Divisions/Departments
Neighborhood Associations
Arts Producers

Provided/Facilitated Funding Contributions of:

$1,486,667 from the City of Santa Monica
$539,966 from Partners
$2,026,633 total funding

ONGOING AOR SUPPORT & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Art of Recovery continues to support artists and artmaking year-round, while remaining ready to respond in times of crisis. By centering creativity, AoR ensures artists have the resources to create—and the community has opportunities to engage with meaningful, relevant work. AoR Funding opportunities include:

AOR MICROGRANT:

The City of Santa Monica’s Art of Recovery (AoR) Microgrant program offers up to $5,000 for creative projects that activate public spaces and build community through the arts. Priority will be given to first-time applicants and projects that engage Santa Monica residents and enliven public space.

Online Application Portal
Program Guidelines
Sample AoR Microgrant Application

The AoR Microgrant Program accepts applications on a rolling basis and conducts quarterly reviews until available funds are fully expended. To be considered for funding, applications must be submitted by the following dates:

March 1, 2026
May 1, 2026
September 1, 2026
December 1, 2026
March 1, 2027
May 1, 2027

NOTE: Applicants will typically be notified of funding decisions within approximately six to eight weeks of each quarterly grant review.

NOTE: All funding amounts, grant awards, and availability are contingent upon budget approval and the availability of funds.

AOR PRODUCING PARTNERS:

Art of Recovery (AoR) Producing Partners – Request for Proposals (RFP)
Applications Are Now Closed (Deadline: November 20, 2025)

The City of Santa Monica’s Cultural Affairs Division periodically invites proposals from organizations, arts and cultural producers, collectives, groups, and individual creators interested in collaborating with the City and local artists to develop and implement art projects or events in Santa Monica as part of the Art of Recovery (AoR) initiative.

Send questions to artsgrants@santamonica.gov

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Contact Us:

(310) 458-8350
culture@santamonica.gov

FAQ

What is the deadline to submit a Project Concept Form? How long will it take to hear back?

Art of Recovery has a rolling deadline. Submitting a Project Concept is the first step of the grant process, and submissions will be reviewed monthly. Applications received by the last day of the month will be reviewed the following month. Applicants will hear back within 90 days from submission on whether their Project Concept has been shortlisted. Shortlisted Project Concepts may or may not be invited to the second step of the process, developing a Project Proposal.

How do projects get paired with a Production Partner? What is the role of the Production Partner?

Many factors go into the pairing of a project with a Production Partner. The intention is for the best alignment in terms of project support and things such as the location of the project, and the expertise and capacity of the Production Partner, contribute to the decision. Depending on the team’s and project’s needs, Production Partners may have more of a hands-on role or more of an advisory role. This will be agreed up on in advance by both the project team and Production Partner.

What is or isn’t allowed due to COVID?

As of February 2022, temporary artworks and installations, as well as time-based art or events are permitted under the guidelines. As certain activities are allowed to resume, the Health Officer continues to urge residents to proceed with caution. Safety protocols still need to be considered. See the links below for more information:

Can multiple Project Concepts be submitted?

Yes, each idea should be submitted separately. Only one project per person/team will be funded at a time.

Do selected projects get funded at the beginning or the end of the contract?

75% of each grant will be paid at the beginning, and the remaining 25% once the project is completed. The purpose of this program is to pay artists for their work not put an undue burden on them.