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CC - CONSENT ITEM: (1) Authorization to Award $200,518 to 26 Organizations for the 2026 Performing Arts Grant Program, and Designation of Related Performances as City-Sponsored, as Recommended by the Cultural Affairs Commission; and (2) Approval of Related Grant Agreements.
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Meeting Date: January 12, 2026
Contact Person/Dept.: Lee Lawlor and Sally Unsworth / City Manager - Office of Economic and Cultural Development
Phone Number: (310) 253-5772 and (310) 253-6003
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Attachments: Yes [X] No []
Commission Action Required: Yes [X] No [] Date: December 16, 2025
Commission Name: Cultural Affairs Commission
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (01/07/2026); (E-Mail) Cultural Affairs Commission (01/07/2026)
Department Approval: Odis Jones, City Manager (01/05/2026)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council (1) authorize the award of a total of $200,518 to 26 organizations for the 2026 Performing Arts Grant Program, and designate related performances as City-Sponsored, as recommended by the Cultural Affairs Commission (CAC); and (2) approve the related grant agreements.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
Local arts agencies provide programs and services across the United States, and cultural grants play a significant role within an ecosystem of creative workers, residents, visitors, arts and cultural organizations, local municipalities, and other partners. Municipal arts agencies encourage relevant and accessible programming, subsidize free or reduced ticket prices, encourage public cultural participation, and are an investment in the overall well-being of a community.
The Cultural Affairs Commission and staff have implemented Culver City’s Performing Arts Grant Program (Program) since its inception in 1994. Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) Section 15.06.160 stipulates that no more than 25% of the money deposited into the Cultural Trust Fund (CTF) in the prior fiscal year be allocated for performing arts in the subsequent year. $125,000 has been appropriated from the CTF for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and is supplemented with anticipated carryover money from prior fiscal year CTF allocations. To further supplement the 2026 Program awards, Sony Pictures Entertainment contributed $30,000 and Culver City Arts Foundation has pledged $25,000.
At its meeting on July 15, 2025, the Cultural Affairs Commission created a 2026 Performing Arts Grant Program Ad Hoc Subcommittee (Subcommittee) and appointed Commissioners Tania Fleischer (current Vice-Chair) and Nikki DiLoreto (resigned 10/1/2025). Commissioner Shona Gupta was appointed by CAC to fill the Subcommittee vacancy as of 10/21/2025.
Staff published and began promoting the 2026 Performing Arts Grant Program Application and Notice of Funding Availability during the week of August 7, 2025. (Attachment No. 1) At that time, the application was open to the public, to be completed and submitted online. The ’Citys Arts & Culture website <https://www.culvercity.gov/Explore/Arts-Culture/PAG> page (www.culvercity.gov/Explore/Arts-Culture/PAG) contains the complete grant guidelines including eligibility, requirements, instructions, samples, schedule, deadlines, and a partial list of performance venues. Based on the Subcommittee analysis of available funding, the application stated that there was a grant request limit of $10,000 per organization, and applicants must provide matching funds that are equal to, or greater than, their requested grant amount. During the following weeks staff promoted Program applications via email, social media, affinity groups, and colleagues (including the Los Angeles County Department of Arts & Culture). Staff provided multiple training workshops, frequent consultations with potential applicants, and technical assistance.
Forty-six organizations submitted signed applications electronically via the City’s website by the published deadline of September 26, 2025. Staff and Subcommittee’s preliminary review determined that 40 of the applications successfully met the eligibility requirements and would be sent for review and scoring by independent Peer Review Panelists (Panelist). Six of the incoming forms, all from first-time applicants, were determined to be ineligible. Staff notified each ineligible applicant and provided detailed feedback.
From October 15 to November 18, 2025, the eligible applications were evaluated by a Peer Review Panel consisting of eight qualified professionals with performing arts expertise and non-profit arts experience. Each Panelist received an orientation, handbook, scoring guide, and training. Every Panelist signed an agreement regarding confidentiality and conflicts of interest and attended a mid-point scoring review meeting. Panelists independently reviewed and evaluated electronic copies of completed applications, artistic video samples, project budgets, financial reports, and other relevant materials that were provided by the applicants. Panelists utilized the provided criteria and submitted their own scores plus comments to staff. Commissioners Tania Fleischer and Shona Gupta participated in Panelist training and meetings and viewed the applications.
On December 3, 2025, the Subcommittee met and analyzed the total Review Panel scores and requested grant amounts. The Subcommittee considered many factors including the balance of artistic disciplines, public access, locations, availability of resources and CAC’s performing arts priorities. Ultimately, the Subcommittee recommended funding for 26 of the eligible applications. At its regular meeting on December 16, 2025, the Cultural Affairs Commission supported the Subcommittee’s proposed grant awards and recommended that they be approved by City Council.
The CAC recommends a total of $200,518 in grant awards for dance, music, and theatre events as outlined in the attached chart of applications (Attachment No. 2). The chart includes Panel scores, recommended grant awards, and brief descriptions of each proposed performance.
The December 16, 2025, CAC staff report is attached and contains detailed information regarding the Peer Review Panel, scoring criteria, procedures for application, evaluation, and recommendation (Attachment No. 3).
City Sponsorship: These proposed events meet the criteria for City sponsorship. To be categorized as “City-sponsored,” an event or activity must meet the criteria in the definition of “sponsored” set forth in Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) Section 17.330.050.B.7.b.ii and Council Policy 2502 (Special Events Grant Program) confirming that the City is (a) participating in an official capacity in the planning, preparation or promotion of the event or activity; and (b) contributing 25% of the total estimated costs of the civic event or activity or at least $1,000, whichever is less. City Council Policy also requires that in order for an event to be considered City-sponsored, the City Council determine, by specific action, that the above criteria have been met.
As a requirement of the grant contract, the performing arts organizations must identify the City of Culver City as a sponsor of the event. The City will promote the sponsored performances throughout 2026 via its website, email, and social media.
The completed 2026 Performing Arts Grant Program individual electronic applications are available for public review by sending a written email request to cultural.affairs@culvercity.org <mailto:cultural.affairs@culvercity.org>.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The Cultural Affairs Commission recommends a total amount of $200,518 be awarded for the 2026 Culver City Performing Arts Grant Program. The Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 includes sufficient funding for the grant awards in CIP Account No. 41380000.730100 PZ614 (Performing Arts) which can be found in the Capital Improvement section of the budget book under Cultural Trust Fund (Fund 413) on page 589. Additionally, $30,000 contributed by Sony Pictures Entertainment and $25,000 contributed by Culver City Arts Foundation, are designated towards these grants.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 26-01-12_ATT No. 1_2026 Performing Arts Grant Notice of Funding Availability
2. 26-01-12_ATT No. 2_Applications and Scoring 2026 Performing Arts Grant Program
3. 26-01-12_ATT No. 3_Cultural Affairs Commission Staff Report of Dec. 16, 2025
recommended action
MOTIONS
That the City Council:
1. Authorize the award of $200,518 to 26 organizations for the 2026 Performing Arts Grant Program, and designate related performances as City-sponsored, as recommended by the Cultural Affairs Commission, and as outlined in the staff report; and
2. Approve the related grant agreements; and
3. Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary documents; and
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City.