Innovate Grant distributes (2) $1,800.00 grants each quarter, to one Visual Artist and one Photographer. 

Our newly increased $1,800.00 grants act as mighty sparks of financial support that ignite your creative development.

Our grant cycles are open (4) times a year (Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall) giving you more opportunities to access the support you need.

Our process is simple so you spend less time on the application and more time making your important work.

Our grant application is straight forward so that you can spend your valuable hours making new work rather than on time-consuming requirements like writing statements, proposals, and obtaining letters of recommendation. 

Innovate Grant

Let’s build a more creative California. We’re helping every Californian become an advocate for the arts – from raising awareness on why the arts are so important, to providing programs and services that make our state’s creative sector stronger than ever.

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PAiD Opportunity: Public Art Apprenticeship Program

The PAiD Public Art Apprenticeship Program is a 12–18-month program designed to address tough entry barriers to the field of public art by providing artists with the necessary training and support to complete a permanent public art project. Ten artists will be selected to receive comprehensive training, mentorship, and a project budget to complete their first permanent public art commission at an LA County site.

Visual artists working in any media whose primary residence is in Los Angeles County.

Artists who have not been previously commissioned for a permanent public art project through a municipality or government agency program.

Individual artists only; artist teams are not eligible to apply. For the purposes of this opportunity:

Permanent Public Art is art in any media whose form, function and meaning are created for the general public through a public process. Public art is visually and/or physically accessible to the public; it is installed in public space in both outdoor and indoor settings. It is fabricated with materials and methods with a long-term lifespan expectation incorporating materials and methods that have recorded longevity such as metal, glass, concrete, terrazzo, stone, mosaic, tile or other similar products.

Two cohorts of Apprentices will be selected, each with five (5) artists, for a total of ten (10) selected artists. Apprentices will be assigned to a cohort based on availability and project suitability. The first cohort is currently planned to begin work in early 2025 with the second cohort beginning in 2026.

September 19, 2024 Call for Artists Release Date November 7, 2024 | 5PM (PST)

December, 2024 Artist Selection February, 2025 Cohort One - Project Start June, 2026 Cohort One - Project Completion February, 2026 Cohort Two - Project Start June, 2027 Cohort Two - Project Completion

There will be approximately 80 hours of formal training planned over 3 months consisting of once-a-month training sessions on Saturdays, with online trainings three times a week on weekday evenings. The trainings will be concurrent with project activity. The time commitment for an artist’s oversight of their artwork development, fabrication, and installation will vary in intensity and there may be more flexibility for the overall time commitment depending on the project needs and stage.

Each Apprentice will be contracted for the training and delivery of a permanent public art project with a budget range between $100,000-$200,000 based on availability and project suitability. This budget will include all costs associated with the completion of the project deliverables, including a 20% artist fee. Each Apprentice will also be provided with an additional $5,500 stipend for their participation in required meetings and training sessions.

Deadline to Apply: November 7, 2024 | 5PM (PST)

LA Department of Arts & Culture - PAiD Public Art Apprenticeship Program

Senior Program Officer, Native American Initiatives and Organizational Equity 


The Senior Program Officer is responsible for developing and managing programs in alignment with California Humanities’ grants and program goals and identifying issues and opportunities in the public humanities that advance the mission of California Humanities, with a focus on issues impacting Native California tribes and peoples. In addition, this position serves as a strategic facilitator for incorporating and centering equity practices internal to the organization with external impact. 

Collaborate with the President and CEO and Program staff to develop programmatic goals and strategies that center equity and advance California Humanities’ mission and long-range plans; identify new opportunities and avenues for programming, especially those focused on Native American communities in California.

Focus on design and management of specific grantmaking and/or operating program activities—including program research and development, grant review processes, program activities and delivery mechanisms, partnerships, and assistance with monitoring and evaluation of projects and programs. Specific program responsibilities may include:Development and implementation of humanities-based programs that focus on the interests and concerns of Native California tribes and peoples;Oversight of Humanities for All Quick Grants program (part of the Humanities for All grant line);Management of Literature & Medicine program


Develop and manage an advisory committee to advise on interests and concerns of Indigenous and Native American communities in California.

Conduct targeted and proactive community outreach to underserved and rural communities, with focus on Native California tribes and peoples.

Provide timely and helpful feedback and guidance to applicants and grantees, as appropriate.

Build and maintain knowledge of significant policy and research developments in the public humanities, philanthropy, and equity through review of reports and publications, attendance at meetings and conferences, etc. as relevant to program development.

Develop and monitor program budgets and timelines, in coordination with the CEO and finance staff.

Collaborate with the CEO and senior program staff to supervise, train, and evaluate program support staff as required.

Contract, oversee, and/manage program-related consultants as needed.

Work with the Program staff to develop informational documents and presentations for the Board; attend Board program committee meetings, and full Board meetings.

Collaborate with all California Humanities staff as needed on organization-wide projects such as NEH compliance report, events, annual/biennial reporting, etc.

Other duties as assigned by the President and CEO. 

California Humanities - Senior Program Officer

Reports to: Program Manager
Status: Part-time, non-exempt; $20 per hour
Hours: 3-15 hours per week depending on program need; afternoons to early evening; some weekends as required

DrawBridge is currently seeking candidates to serve as Art Group Facilitators across the San Francisco Bay Area. Training, program support, professional development opportunities, and art supplies are provided.

In collaboration with the Program Manager and programs team, develops and leads weekly, bi- monthly, and/or monthly expressive art groups for children at shelters, affordable housing facilities, community centers, or at community events across the San Francisco Bay Area

Participates in monthly staff meetings with Program Manager and attends DrawBridge trainings and professional development workshops throughout the year

Develops and submits program plans and materials supplies requests to Program Manager as requested

Oversees setup and breakdown of program spaces before and after each session and maintains cleanliness and organization of program areas

Maintains and submits accurate attendance records, supplies inventory, and monthly program reports

Assists with the distribution of program surveys and evaluations throughout the year

Accurately tracks and submits payroll hours in a timely manner

Notifies Program Manager immediately of schedule changes, requests, or concerns from site partners or families

Arrives at assigned sites on time to run programs as scheduled

Follows and abides by DrawBridge’s Covid-19 and workplace safety protocols and site partner safety protocols

Complies with DrawBridge’s policies and procedures as summarized in the Employee Handbook

Demonstrated experience working with children ages 5-18, preferably in an educational or professional setting

Possess excellent interpersonal skills, initiative, sound judgment, positive attitude, and ability to work independently as well as in a team environment

Willingness and ability to travel to site partner locations to produce programs

Comfort with technology, email, zoom, and online communication

Demonstrated experience, training, or education in the fields of art, child development, education, psychology, or the social sciences preferred; candidates enrolled in an accredited university working toward a degree in a related field are welcomed

Candidates bilingual in Spanish, Mandarin, or Arabic are strongly encouraged to apply

Prior to placement, candidates must complete a criminal background check and provide proof of a current tuberculosis test and COVID-19 vaccination. Positions will remain open until filled.

DrawBridge - Art Group Facilitators

Deadline: Friday, November 1, 2024, 11:59pm. 

Mutual Housing California is seeking two artists or artist teams to create public art in collaboration with the residents of the Wong Center, an affordable housing community in Sacramento's historic Railyards area. This opportunity involves two separate, large-scale community art projects: one for an indoor area and one for an outdoor area.

Selected artists or teams will work closely with Wong Center residents and community members to design and create artworks. The finished pieces should celebrate and highlight the cultural, historical, and social stories of the Wong Center community, creating a sense of home and belonging for the residents.

In partnership with Art Tonic and Annie Ledbury of the East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation, we aim to uplift the voices of our senior population and build stronger connections between residents, their neighbors, and the wider community.

Submit questions by email to: mutualhousingart@gmail.com

Community-Engaged Art at the Wong Center

Department: Programs
Reports to: Chief Education Officer


Inner-City Arts is an oasis of learning, creativity, and achievement in the heart of Skid Row and is a vital partner in creating a safer, healthier Los Angeles. Since its inception in 1989, Inner-City Arts has provided hands-on arts instruction to more than 210,000 public school students and 10,000 educators in the Los Angeles area. Every year, more than 5,000 elementary and middle school students from the most underserved urban neighborhoods receive high-quality arts experiences during the school day on the Inner-City Arts campus. After school, on weekends, and during the summer, more than 1,000 middle and high school students engage in self-select workshops at Inner-City Arts. In all this time, Inner-City Arts has partnered with LAUSD and countless community collaborators to provide transformational learning that meets the needs of area students.

The Creativity Lab was developed by Bob Bates, Inner-City Arts’ co-founder and artistic director, and its central purpose is to encourage students to pursue tasks and challenges using creative thinking and problem solving.

In the Creativity Lab, we use the scientific method expressed in the following sequence: “Test – Evaluate – Adjust the design.” This powerful process of learning by doing looks at “mistakes” not as failures but as opportunities for innovation. The Creativity Lab studio classes are based in problem solving and collaboration. We use simple materials to create complex structures, and students learn how to use basic hand tools and operate power tools such as drill presses and scroll saws. Students achieve an understanding that mistakes, improvisation, and exploration are part of the creative process.

The Creativity Lab Studio Assistant is a non-exempt employee responsible for activities associated with the programming, implementation and assistance of the Creativity Lab studio classes. The Creativity Lab Studio Assistant works directly with the teaching artists for all studio content delivery and reports to the chief education officer on logistics, scheduling, and other employment needs.

Inner-City Arts - Creativity Lab Studio Assistant

Los Angeles State Historic Park is seeking applicants, ages 18-30, for our 2024-25 State Park Community Engagement Fellows Program, a volunteer position. Established in 2016 and formerly called the Promotorx program, State Park Community Fellows will work directly with State Park staff to assist with park programs, events, and operations. Fellows will also serve as park ambassadors to promote park programs, enhance visitorship, and support community engagement at the park. 

Location: Fellows will work primarily at Los Angeles State Historic Park in Chinatown, but will also have opportunities to engage with our second park along the LA River, Rio de Los Angeles State Park in Cypress Park.

Duration: December 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025

Expected Time Commitment: Fellows will be expected to devote an average of 10 hours per month to the role for the duration of the program, with some weekends and evenings required.

Activities: Fellows will shadow park staff across programs, gaining direct knowledge of various roles and content areas within our park operations and programs, including Arts and Culture, Habitat Restoration, Health and Wellness, Special Event and Park Operations, and Park and  Community Advocacy. Fellows will also have opportunities to work with our various community partners who bring free programs and events to the parks, from the annual Community & Unity People’s Kite Festival and Bob Baker Day, to volunteer habitat restoration days, food distributions and wellness classes, and community campfires.   

Throughout their service period, Fellows will participate in a rich array of trainings, professional development opportunities, and enrichment activities such as field trips, site visits, educational talks, workshops, and job fairs. Content areas may include program design, interpretation, history, marketing and communications, outdoor education, habitat restoration, community organizing and advocacy, public speaking, and meeting facilitation, among other topics.

Finally, the 2024-2025 Fellows cohort will design and host their own culminating park program or event based on their shared interests and the needs of surrounding communities.

Please Note: This is a volunteer, uncompensated position, but participants will have access to a rich array of training and enrichment opportunities.

Los Angeles State Historic Park - Community Engagement Fellows Program

Apprenticeship Pathways Coordinator - California Arts, Media and Entertainment High Road℠ Training Partnership

BRIC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit company focused on increasing representation in Entertainment, Gaming, Media and Tech. By strategically engaging with leaders across these industries, along with Government and Education Partners, BRIC strives to Break, Reinvent, Impact and Change the foundations of these businesses and create inclusive opportunities for women and underrepresented people to be successful. 

This role will report into the Program Director for the Arts, Media, and Entertainment High Road Training Partnership (AME-HRTP) and collaborate with the Arts, Media, and Entertainment Registered Apprenticeship Program Sponsors. The AME-HRTP is the first-large scale, multi-year initiative to bridge training and education programs with employment and drive economic mobility for underrepresented AME workers in California’s creative economy. For more information: https://www.bricfoundation.org/ame-hrtp 

The Apprenticeship Pathways Coordinator will play a pivotal role in developing and nurturing partnerships with educational institutions to enhance pre-apprenticeship programs and work-based learning opportunities for K-14. This role involves creating and implementing work-based learning calendars, managing procurement and vendor relationships, supporting the implementation of digital badging systems, and coordinating mentorship and career bridge programs with trainers and community colleges. The ideal candidate will understand school policy, possess a blend of strategic thinking, relationship-building skills, and project management expertise. 

$50 per hour This role is part-time (approximately 20 hours a week) with a one-year contract with an option to renew. 

This candidate must be based in the Los Angeles area.

BRIC Foundation - Apprenticeship Pathways Coordinator

The Stanislaus Arts Council is seeking a part-time Gallery Assistant who is passionate about the arts and dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a creative environment and enjoys interacting with visitors, artists, and the community. The Gallery Assistant will help maintain the gallery space, assist with exhibitions, and manage daily operations during open hours. Gallery assistant will report directly to the Executive Director.

Greet visitors and provide information about the Stanislaus Arts Council, our current and upcoming exhibitions and opportunities.

Assist in the setup and breakdown of exhibitions, events, and receptions.

Handle sales of artwork and merchandise using the gallery's point-of-sale system.

Answer phone calls, respond to email inquiries, and assist visitors with questions.

Maintain cleanliness and organization of the gallery space.

Ensure artwork is displayed appropriately and handle minor art maintenance as needed.

Provide exceptional customer service, ensuring all visitors feel welcome and informed.

Passion for the arts and a genuine interest in promoting local artists and exhibitions.

Excellent customer service skills with a friendly and approachable demeanor.

Basic computer literacy, including experience with email, social media, and point-of-sale Systems, must be comfortable with answering the telephone and taking messages.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Previous experience in a gallery, retail, or customer service setting is a plus but not required.

Must be able to sit and/or stand for durations of time.

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the position to the Executive Director, Dominique Johnson at djohnson@stanislausarts.org.

The Stanislaus Arts Council is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages all individuals with a passion for the arts to apply. We look forward to welcoming a new team member who shares our commitment to fostering creativity and culture in Stanislaus County!

Stanislaus Arts Council - Gallery Assistant

The National Leaders of Color Fellowship program (LoCF) is a transformative leadership development experience curated by Creative West in order to establish multicultural leadership in the creative and cultural sector. By partnering with the other United States Regional Arts Organizations (USRAOs) the program has expanded nationwide and its mission has become a national endeavor. 

During this no-cost eight-month fellowship, selected fellows receive access to specialists in the field, strategic learning objectives determined to deepen thought on anti-racist and culturally-oriented leadership practices, and national-level network and cohort building. Upon completion of this program, participants are granted alumni status and have opportunities to collaborate with the USRAO in their region as advisors, funding panelists, and/or other professional capacities.

The fellowship is online and typically takes place from the late fall through early summer of the subsequent year. Approximately 10 hours of work should be budgeted outside of the program dates listed below. As such, fellows are encouraged to receive pay from their employers for hours spent engaging in this fellowship opportunity. The USRAOs are available to provide a letter of support as a resource by request.

Please toggle through the dropdowns below to find out more information about the National Leaders of Color Fellowship program.

Application Open: Monday, September 16, 2024
Application Close: Sunday, October 13, 2024 (11:59 p.m. MDT)

Missed our information session? You can view the session slides here or check out the replay on our YouTube channel!

Creative West - National Leaders of Color Fellowship program (LoCF)

Online Application Opens: Wednesday, September 25, 2024 (8am PT)

ZOOM INFO SESH: Wednesday, October 2, 2024 (6-7pm PT)

Join us for a Pop-In Info Session, with program lead Nikko Kimzin from Kimzin Creative - where applicants can drop by to ask questions about the BIPOC Producers Lab and the application process. It's a great opportunity to get clarity on the program details, expectations, and how to tell your story best via our application.

Zoom Link Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83045308233

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, October 15, 2024 (3:00 pm PT)

*Timeline may shift based on the number of applicant responses

The Kimzin Creative BIPOC Producers Lab, created in partnership with Creative Sonoma, is an innovative, nine-month professional development program designed to foster the growth and success of (2) emerging Sonoma County-based BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) producers. This program will provide selected participants with: the foundational knowledge of artistic production, application of event production skills as event producers, and mentorship for participants in the creation of their own artistic or cultural event for the community.

The lab is specifically tailored to support producers in creating inclusive, impactful cultural or artistic events centered on BIPOC arts and cultural practices and communities. Participants will develop the skills necessary to succeed in the creative industry, from project management and marketing to cultural curation and community engagement. 

By the end of the program, participants will have learned the foundations of production, produced their own community-wide event, built valuable industry connections, and gained skills that will advance their careers in the arts & business sector.

Participants will attend (3) workshops and (3) conversations led by industry experts on key topics such as budgeting, marketing, project management, storytelling, and community engagement. All workshops and guest lectures will be facilitated by established BIPOC producers.

Participants will take on the role of event producers, responsible for the ideation and execution of nine monthly events for LA ASAMBLEA— “an artistic experiment by/for Sonoma County BIPOC & Queer artists + co-conspirators”. Additionally, participants will have a budget of $10,000 to conceptualize, develop, and produce their own artistic or cultural event for the community by the end of the program term.

Participants will be paired with an experienced BIPOC producer for one-on-one guidance and support throughout the program. This mentor will help navigate the challenges of production and ensure participants are well-equipped for success.

By the end of the lab, participants will have gained extensive experience in producing live events, built professional networks, and acquired a toolkit of skills that will enable them to continue their work in the creative sector. Additionally, their work will promote cross-cultural and intergenerational connections, elevate diverse voices, and activate inclusive community spaces in Sonoma County.

The Kimzin Creative BIPOC Producers Lab requires a time commitment of approximately 30 hours per month for workshops, guest lectures, and event production tasks. Participants will receive a monthly stipend of $1,500 to support their participation throughout the nine-month program ($13,500 total throughout the program). This stipend is intended to cover time spent in training and hands-on event production, providing participants with the financial support they need to focus on their growth as emerging producers.

*PLEASE NOTE: This stipend is considered taxable income. Each participant will receive an IRS 1099 Form for stipends received in tax year 2024/2025. We encourage applicants to consult with a qualified tax advisor for further information. If you have stipend-related questions please contact, info@kimzincreative.com

Kizmin Creative - BIPOC Producers Lab

Fractured Atlas is seeking a full-time Fundraising & Member Advisor, Programs for our Programs team. Fractured Atlas is a national nonprofit art service organization with a membership of over 75,000. Our mission is to make the journey from inspiration to living practice more accessible and equitable for artists and creatives. We are dedicated to helping individual artists and arts organizations at every level of the cultural ecosystem, in every creative medium by providing fundraising tools, educational resources, and personalized support. As a key member of the Programs Team, the Fundraising & Member Advisor, Programs provides essential support across all programs and services, working closely with our members and artists on a 

Provide member advising and financial administrative oversight for Fractured Atlas’ fiscal sponsorship, fundraising tools, and artist visa services:

Support daily operations of the fiscal sponsorship program

Conduct consultative and onboarding calls using Calendly and Zendesk Talk 

Manage extended email communication with artist members using Zendesk

Advise artist members on the use of Fractured Atlas’s fiscal sponsorship program, including its fundraising and financial tools, and how to follow donation and financial procedures

Review and approve fundraising materials: including profile/general support edits, individual appeals, third-party giving campaigns, and crowdfunding campaigns

Demonstrate how to access our software tools and provide walk-through support as needed to artist members

Review artist visa applications and provide consultation letters

Troubleshoot login and other basic access issues with artist members

Support donation tracking and investigation, including logging donations in Airtable, confirming matching gifts, and resolving donation-related issues 

Correspond with members and donors regarding returned or disputed donations. 

Other duties as assigned to support the team and our membersdaily basis.

Fractured Atlas is seeking a full-time Grants & Member Advisor, Programs for our Programs team. Fractured Atlas is a national nonprofit art service organization with a membership of over 75,000. Our mission is to make the journey from inspiration to living practice more accessible and equitable for artists and creatives. We are dedicated to helping individual artists and arts organizations at every level of the cultural ecosystem, in every creative medium by providing fundraising tools, educational resources, and personalized support. As a key member of the Programs Team, the Grants & Member Advisor, Programs provides essential support across all programs and services, working closely with our members and artists on a daily basis.

Member advising and financial administrative oversight for Fractured Atlas’ fiscal sponsorship, fundraising tools, and artist visa services:

Support the daily operations of the fiscal sponsorship program

Advise artist members on how to apply to grants with fiscal sponsorship, and review grant applications while providing constructive feedback Review and approve fundraising materials: including grant applications, individual appeals, and crowdfunding campaigns

Demonstrate how to access our software tools and provide walk-through support as needed to artist members and Member Representatives, as needed

Review a variety of financial documentation, and advise artist members on how to allocate for project expenses, and access funds

Troubleshoot login and other basic access issues with artist members Correspond with artist members and donors in processing donations and grant funds received

Other duties as assigned to support the team and our members

Fractured Atlas - Fundraising & Member Advisor, Grants & Member Advisor

The Director of Project Finance supports the development process from project inception to project completion and stabilization. The role is responsible for supporting the financing of projects through the lifecycle of project development for current and future properties that are funded through a variety of private, federal, state, grants and local sources. Focused on affordable housing, the candidate will be a key member of the Company’s community development team working in partnership with other real estate professionals in a collaborative, team-oriented environment. Successful work performance requires skill in coordinating work with other departments and outside agencies. The position interfaces closely with Casa Familiar’s Executive Management, Board of Directors, Accounting, Asset and Property Management and staff within the Community Development division.

The Compliance and Grants Specialist role is crucial in advancing the organization's mission through effective grants management and support. The Compliance and Grants Specialist collaborates with the Development Officer to maintain post-award grant management and compliance for a diverse portfolio of grants. Their responsibilities include supporting post-award grant management activities such as amendments, renewals, reporting, grant meetings, donor tracking, sub-award management, and compliance with donor requirements. This role will help with the grant proposals, organization of our grant contracts and agreements, and organizational compliance requirements. Given the increasingly complex regulatory landscape surrounding state & federal grants, the Compliance and Grants Specialist must assist with ensuring our compliance with all relevant governmental regulations and policies. The Compliance and Grants Specialist will provide analysis, post-award support to multiple Casa Familiar operations teams, and grant oversight to ensure compliance with Federal and State regulations. They will guide grant-specific requirements and serve as a resource for staff of grant-funded programs for fiscal and programmatic compliance matters. This position will mitigate risks and uphold our commitment to compliant and ethical fundraising practices.

The Youth and Senior Services Director oversees and manages programs and services that cater to the needs of youth and senior populations within the San Diego/San Ysidro communities. This role involves strategic planning, program development, staff supervision, and community outreach to ensure the delivery of high-quality services that enhance these groups' well-being and quality of life. This role will oversee multiple programs and initiatives, which include academic tutoring and support, youth mentorship, summer camp programs, juvenile diversion, and social/emotional enrichment for school-aged youth living. In addition to youth services, this position will oversee Casa Familiar's older adult services, which include, but are not limited to, senior onsite social services, personal development classes, workshops, assistance with social benefit program applications and advocacy, and physical and recreational activities to nurture a happier and healthier senior community. This position collaborates with the Programs Officer and several key leaders throughout the agency to ensure that all programs and services under their purview successfully connect with our youth and older adult population.

The Community Services Director at Casa Familiar plays a pivotal role in advancing the organization's mission and strategic priorities by overseeing the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services to address underserved communities' needs. The Community Services Director is responsible for the success of programs and initiatives that provide individuals and families with information, resources, and support to help our communities thrive. Reporting to the Programs Officer, the Community Services Director provides strategic leadership, manages program budgets, fosters partnerships, and ensures the effective delivery of services to meet the organization's goals. This position will directly oversee Casa Familiar's Social Services team, Transitional Housing programs, and the Financial Opportunity Center.

Casa Familiar - Multiple

Searching for local muralists! Amazing opportunity for an approx 7 story / 85’h mural on the side of a new development in the heart of Santa Cruz. Be a part of the city landscape and public arts community for years to come…

Project Details: / Detalles del proyecto:

Estimate is 7 stories and 85' high x 20-24' wide  

The mural design should evoke a strong sense of place, drawing inspiration from the rich environmental landscapes of the region: old-growth redwood forests, the unique Santa Cruz sandhills, coastal prairie grasslands, coastal bluffs, wetlands, and rugged rocky shores. It should also celebrate the vibrant and diverse culture of Santa Cruz, including but not limited to its iconic surf and skate scenes, the influence of Spanish and Mexican heritage, as well as its flourishing creative arts communities, festivals, and museums. Artists are encouraged to bring their own interpretations of these themes, weaving their own stories into their designs in their own unique artistic style.

Local Language - Muralist

Californians for Justice is a statewide, youth-powered organization fighting to improve the lives of people of color, immigrants, low-income families, LGBQiA2S+/TGNC youth and other marginalized communities. Through organizing in schools and in their neighborhoods, youth who join Californians for Justice become leaders in their own communities. They deepen their knowledge on issues like systemic racism, gender and sexuality, and education inequity, and organize and activate their peers to take action.

CFJ is the only grassroots, youth-powered organization in California that organizes students to have a voice in both local and statewide education policy. Our campaign and policy reform goals include adequate and equitable school funding, increased access and success in K-12 and higher education, and creating Relationship Centered Schools - schools that invest in youth voice, in staff, and in creating space for youth and adults to build positive relationships with one another. 

CFJ currently has four regional offices in Fresno, Long Beach, San Jose and Oakland, 42 full-time equivalent staff and a budget of $5.5 million.Californians for Justice has been successful because of our strong, dedicated staff team. CFJ staff are unwavering in their commitment to youth power and racial justice, to building connection and trust with their teams, and have a strong sense of purpose and dignity in their work. 

The Organizer will lead and coordinate CFJ’s grassroots organizing work in Long Beach through base building, leadership development, political education workshops and other activities with high school students. The Organizer will also actively participate in CFJ’s local and statewide education organizing and campaign work through action research, coordinating campaign events, delegations with system leaders, alliance work, and electoral organizing. 

The Organizer is part of a four-­person team: an Organizing Director, Lead Organizer, and two Organizers. The Organizer reports to the Lead Organizer in Long Beach and also works closely with other CFJ regional organizers, and across departments and teams in the organization. The position is full­-time and non-exempt. Organizers have a schedule of Mon - Fri 10/10:30 AM - 6:30/7 PM, some weekends, late evenings and overnight retreats may be required.

Organizers  at CFJ are expected to demonstrate proficiency in the following competencies:

Impactful Collaboration - Inspired by the work; inspires others to engage in the movement. Manages projects and recommends deliverables and timelines that are well prioritized and met with an appropriate level of urgency for accomplishing team goals. Results have been rigorously tested with multiple possible scenarios and solutions accounted for.

Problem Solving - Asks and begins to answer: What else can we try? Has full knowledge of the job area enabling solutions to problems that are tailored for the unique needs of the project. Foresees near-term problems that may arise and creates plans for mitigation or proactively seeks help from leadership in removing roadblocks.

Sustainability - Initiates resilient protagonism without direction from supervisor. Models rest/reflection/action for community leaders. Is self-aware of their own growth opportunities; Requests and responds to feedback. Learn to share feedback with peers.

Communication - Begins to practice effective communication to various audiences - executive leaders, community leaders, press, etc. Communicates decisions through documentation, presentations or other communication channels. Communicates effectively across teams, proactively identifies challenges for projects and communicates these issues early to help course-correct.

Relationship-Building - Achieves goals through effectively working with others. Has built trust by leading by example, adhering to deadlines, operating with empathy, and setting and managing expectations.

Base Building & Leadership Development (60%)

Conduct base-building activities throughout the school year with high school students including but not limited to: school outreach, classroom presentations, one-on-ones phone banking, management of three school-­based chapter(s), developing and managing teacher ally relationships, and sustaining an active base of students at chapter(s) based on annual goals.  

Lead Long Beach’s leadership development programming through weekly student leader meetings centered on: skills building, political education, community building, and conducting consistent one-­on-­one member check-­ins.

Lead Long Beach’s leadership development tracking, manage and oversee our membership goals, and member’s individual leadership development and trajectory through CFJ’s leadership pathways. 

Manage and implement Long Beach’s regional Distributed Leadership Model by recruiting and training a core group of members who will develop their own teams made up of high school youth who will work together to advance CFJ’s campaign and programmatic goals. 

Supervise a team of high school interns and build their leadership and organizing skills.  

Support our local and statewide education organizing and campaign work through action research, coordinating campaign events, delegations with system leaders, and electoral organizing (including phone banking during elections).  

Participate in ally events and meetings to build and maintain CFJ’s visibility and community solidarity.

Organization-­wide responsibilities (10%)

Participate in all grassroots fundraising campaigns and maintain a portfolio of individual and organizational prospects for solicitation.  

Participate in and be accountable to cross-­department committees, teams, and departments.  

Assume rotating meeting facilitation, note taking and tech support roles and responsibilities as needed.  

Provide support and participation for organization-­wide and regional campaigns and events.  

Californians for Justice - Organizer

Scholarship Information:  Residency recipients will receive a fifteen hundred dollar scholarship to deter costs of participating in the program. Funds can be used towards art supplies, transportation, meals, etc. 

Studios and Accommodations: The residency provides studio space and living accommodations. Each artist will be assigned their own house in which to live and work for the length of the residency.  Artists may choose to work in the JTHAR dedicated studio, a large studio space, divided by movable walls, depending on the artist's needs. Housing Accommodations are located in the Highlands near the West Entrance of the Joshua Tree National Park.  Please refer to our website for examples of housing - JTHAR.COM * Please note that the summer months can be very hot in the high desert.  If you are adverse to the heat, this may not be the program for you.  All houses are equipped with AC.

Residency Terms and Expectations: Artists must provide transportation to and from the program. A vehicle is needed during the residency stay. Artists chosen must be able to attend for the seven week program. No exceptions. Aritsts are welcome to have visitors during the residency. Visitors are limited to a two night stay.  We cannot accommodate family members, partners or pets. Artists must notify hosts of planned visitors.  

Artists chosen for the residency will be required to donate one completed work to the JTHAR program.

Mid-Residency Review: Artists will share their work-in-progress with the board members during a mid-residency review. Reviews are helpful opportunities to discuss progress or issues with completing projects.

Final Exhibition: Artists have the option of an open studio exhibition of their work at the JTHAR studio.

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