Arts & Culture

The County of Ventura Arts & Culture

Arts and Culture

The County of Ventura’s Arts & Culture Division is responsible for leading Countywide strategic planning for arts, culture, and the creative economy. These planning efforts support a thriving ecosystem comprised of the creative enterprise, the arts and culture community, government, and Ventura County residents.

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Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy

Artists, nonprofit organizations, and creative sector businesses generate over $3 billion annually to Ventura County’s economy. This robust industry employs more than 12,000 county residents across diverse creative fields, spanning from entertainment and architecture to communications and design. More information is available in the Ventura County and Santa Barbara County Economic Impact Analysis of the Creative Economy: The creative arts, through its various expressions also contribute to our quality of life, playing an important role in community development, justice and rehabilitation, human services, and mental health.  It creates positive economic and social mobility, brings us together, and helps us learn from one another.  It allows us to connect through shared moments and experiences, contributing to our collective well-being and prosperity.

Programs and Initiatives

Arts and Culture Investment Fund: Matching Grant Funding Opportunity
Now Accepting Letters of Interest

As part of the Arts and Culture Investment Fund grant program, the County of Ventura has $100,000 in total funding for non-profit arts and culture organizations in need of matching funds to support grant applications. This funding opportunity is to support Ventura County based arts and culture organizations that provide services and programs to the Ventura County residents most impacted by the pandemic.

Funding can support matching grant requirements from a variety of grantmaking entities, including units of local government, private foundations, and State, regional, and federal agencies, so long as County funds are eligible according to the respective grant application.

General Eligibility:

  • Nonprofit (with 501c3 designation) arts and culture organizations based in Ventura County with operating budgets of less than $1,000,000 in the last fiscal year
  • Active status with the California Secretary of State at time of application
The following organizations are not eligible for this program:
  • Organizations not based in Ventura County
  • Social service or non-arts/cultural nonprofits
  • Organizations that either received direct funding, or were eligible to receive Tier 1 funding through the County of Ventura’s Arts and Culture Investment Fund
  • Government agencies, including state or federal agencies, municipal governments, or special districts
  • Public and private colleges and universities, K-12 school districts, or county offices of education
  • Religious institutions, political action committees, or for-profit businesses of any kind
Application Process:

Submit a Letter of Interest (PDF format) signed by the organization’s executive director and either the board president, secretary, or treasurer that includes:

  • A brief overview of the organization
  • Details of the matching grant opportunity
  • Description of the intended program or project (general operating grants are permissible), including other partners and/or matching funds sources, and the impact to the community
  • Requested matching grant amount
  • A copy of the organization’s most recently filed 990 tax return (or annual budget).
Letters are accepted on a rolling basis until December 1, 2024, or until funds are committed.

The Letter of Interest and tax return must be sent electronically to artsandculture@ventura.org.

Review and Approval:

  • Submissions will be evaluated individually on a first come, first served basis
  • Approval is at the discretion of the County Executive Officer or designee
  • Organizations that are selected will be notified via email of the County’s commitment to provide matching funds if a grant is awarded
  • Selected organizations must submit proof of application within ten (10) days of the grant application deadline
Funds will not be released until confirmation of the grant award from the granting organization is received, and the recipient organization and the County have entered into a signed agreement.
Arts and Culture Investment Fund Grant Program
The Arts and Culture Investment Fund is the County’s first dedicated arts and culture grant program, which as approved by the Board of Supervisors as part of the County’s 2023 Recovery Plan to support ongoing recovery from the pandemic. A total of $800,000 in grant funding is available through the program, with $700,000 distributed through a grant application process, and $100,000 through a separate matching grant contingency fund. Funding is supporting both nonprofit arts and culture organizations and artists based in Ventura County. The application period closed in March 2024, and grant recipients were announced in July 2024.

View Recipients

Grant Eligibility / Frequently Asked Questions / Preguntas frecuentes
Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Strategic Plan

The County of Ventura is developing an arts, culture, and creative economy strategic plan for the region. This initiative will include an assessment of the creative economy and its social impact in Ventura County; arts and culture asset mapping; exploration of the policy and funding drivers that can support the sectors, and the development and implementation of a multi-year strategic plan.

To learn more about the County of Ventura’s Arts, Culture and Creative Economy Strategic Plan process, please visit www.vccreates.com.

Moon Ditch Mural Project (Channeling Murals)

The Moon Ditch Mural Project is an early-stage collaborative initiative between the District 1 Supervisorial Office, County Watershed Protection, Ventura County Probation, and the Office of Arts and Culture. The goal of this program is design and install a mile long mural along the Moon Ditch Channel, which runs parallel to Interstate 101 and Leland Streeet in the City of Ventura.

Atrium Gallery

Curated by the Ventura County Arts Council, the Atrium Gallery is located at the Ventura County Government Center Hall of Administration. It spans three floors and some 400 linear feet of display space. The Gallery receives some 3,000 visitors a day (plus employees) who circulate through the Gallery while conducting business Monday through Friday. It is one of the largest galleries in the County.

More information is available on the Ventura County Arts Council website .

The County of Ventura hosts the 21st Annual Employee, Retiree and Family Art Show

The winners of the 21st Annual County of Ventura Employee, Retiree, and Family Art Show were announced by the Ventura County Arts Council and the National Arts Program at a special awards reception April 18, 2024. The reception took place April 18, 2024 on the Main Plaza of the Atrium Gallery, at the County of Ventura Government Center, Hall of Administration, with art entries on display throughout the building. This show received over 60 entries, with artists submitting unique pieces to exhibit. Almost all mediums were represented, with ceramics, crafts, drawings, fiber works, jewelry, mosaics, paintings, photography, resin pieces, sculpture, and woodwork among the submissions. Entries were reviewed by panel of three professional artist judges, and selected across the Youth, Teen, and Adult Amateur, Intermediate, and Professional categories. Awards were also given for Best of Show, Arts Education, and Honorable Mention categories.
 
Here is the list of of this year’s winners by category:

Youth

  • First: Oranges | Merci S.
  • Second: Ocean Eye | Olivia L.
  • Third: Nickle Pickle Ninja | Catalina P.
  • Honorable Mention: Catman | Samantha K.

Teen

  • First: Beauty in Isolation | Shreya P.
  • Second: Weight on my Shoulder | Albina L.
  • Third: Golden Hour | Kate S.
  • Honorable Mention: I See You | Hannah K.

Amateur

  • First: Dance of Deep Dreams | Ti Nahabedian
  • Second: Sprouting Love | Brittany Webber
  • Third: Fish | Lucas Cho Miller
  • Honorable Mention: Stylistic Symphony | Walter Guzman

Intermediate

  • First: Bronze Beauty | Susan Webb
  • Second: Dang It | Maya Porche
  • Third: Juan Gabriel | Cristian Rivas
  • Honorable Mention | Mitchelle Manalo

Professional

  • First: Reflection | Rachela Fogelfeld
  • Second: Arroyo Verde Trail | Gerardo Segismundo
  • Third: The Trumpeter | Lolita Wyche-Bowman
  • Honorable Mention: Let’s Not Pretend | Julie Ann Reed

Best of Show

  • Petrol - Todd Collart

Filming in Ventura County

Ventura County’s scenic diversity and proximity to Los Angeles make it a sought-after filming location, contributing over $90 million annually to the local economy. The Ventura County Film Commission, part of the Economic Development Collaborative, facilitates production activities, offers advice, and assists with permitting for filmmakers, serving as a vital link between local resources and the industry. Visit the Ventura County Film website for more details. VCFC – Ventura County Film Commission.

Creative Sector Business Assistance

Programs offered by these organizations below provide support and education in business development for businesses of all types, including those in the creative economy. Free webinars and seminars are available. Some may also provide loan programs, specialized training, and other services.

Please visit these websites directly for information on business resources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Arts Investment Fund Grants Questions

Q. Can information be added to the application after it closes?

A. No, all information must be included in the initial application upon submittal.

Q. When does the application close?

A. The application closes promptly at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024. No further applications or application materials will be accepted after this deadline. You must click the “submit” button by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024. Please note, there are required fields. If any information is missing, you will not be able to “submit” the application.

Q. How long does it take to register on the VCCF portal?

A. Once your information is submitted, it takes 24 – 48 hours to process your registration and receive access to the application. If you are not already registered in VCCF, please do so immediately to make sure you can apply for the grant. Registrations submitted after the morning of Wednesday, March 20, 2024, may not be approved in time to submit a grant application.

Q. I clicked submit at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024, but it didn’t accept my submission, can you please consider the unsubmitted application?

A. No, only completed and submitted applications by the deadline will be considered for funding.

Q. Can I submit a paper application?

A. No, all applications must be submitted online through the VCCF Portal.

Q. How is the Individual Artist application different than the Arts Organization application?

A. The Individual Artist Grant application follows a similar process but it is a separate and unique application. More information on the individual artist grant is available at: Ventura County Arts and Culture Investment Fund Grant | Ventura County Arts Council (vcartscouncil.org)

Q. Must an organization be based in Ventura County to qualify for the grant?

A. Yes, an organization must be based in and serve communities in Ventura County.

Q. Does the entire 990 form need to be submitted for each year?

A. Yes, scan and submit the entire 990 in the appropriate section.

Q. How much weight is given to the initial questions including areas of the community an organization serves?

A. The first series of questions (Questions 1 – 19) on the application will be used to determine overall eligibility and gather reporting information. Although these are required questions, they will not be scored.

Q. Can the grant awarded be at an amount lower than what is requested in the application?

A. Yes, depending on the number of applications and the amount of award granted could be less than what is asked for in the application. The final grant awards will be determined based on number of applications received, available funding, and the overall application score.

Q. Can an arts or cultural Organization with less than three years of operating history apply for this grant?

A. No, the applicant organization must have been in operation/established on or before March 22, 2021, to be eligible for this grant.

Q. Can someone apply in Tier 3 under their name as an individual artist, and apply in Tier 1 or Tier 2 on behalf of an arts organization?

A. Yes, so long as each application represents a distinct entity or individual and is under separate Tax ID’s and/or Social Security numbers. For instance, an artist who also works as an executive director for an arts and cultural organization can apply on behalf of the organization, so long as the organization meets all other eligibility criteria. This artist can also apply to support their own individual work as an artist, but this work must be entirely separate from the work at the organization.

Q. My organization is a nonprofit and has arts and cultural programs but does not have an arts and culture specific purpose or mission. Can we still apply?

A. No. An organization’s primary mission must be directly related to art and culture, such as promoting, preserving, and enriching the cultural and artistic aspects of Ventura County’s local community.

Q. Does the applicant need to be based in Ventura County?

A. Yes, the applicant must be based in Ventura County and must have a principal address located in Ventura County on their application. Individual artists must reside in Ventura County and submit verification on their application.

Q. I am currently showing delinquent, revoked, or not registered with the California Attorney General (AG) Registry of Charitable Trusts. Can I still apply?

A. Yes, you can apply. Please know funding is not guaranteed. If your organization is deemed eligible and selected for funding, additional steps must be followed within specific deadlines (to be determined). Please contact TTagawa@VCCF.org with specific information about your delinquency for assistance in viewing your registration status with the AG.

Q. My organization submits e-postcard tax returns (Form 990-N) because my gross receipts are less than $50,000 a year. What can I submit instead of my 990/990EZ?

A. The organization’s submitted Form 990-N are sufficient. Alternatively, applicants can submit their annual filings with the California Secretary of State that show income and expenses.

Q. What types of files can I upload for the video and references:

A. For videos, applicants can submit most standard video formats, including .MP4, .MOV, and .AVL. Alternatively, you can submit a .pdf or .doc document with a clickable link to YouTube, Vimeo, or other standard video hosting service. Links that are password protected, require downloading, or require any form of account creation or registration may not get reviewed.

Most standard file types are accepted, including DOC/DOCX, XLS/XLSX, JPEG/JPG, PNG, TXT, PPT/PPTX, CSV, MP4/MOV.

A. Yes, so long as the reviewer can easily access and view the video directly from the link on the page on standard video hosting service like YouTube or Vimeo. Links that are password protected, require downloading, or require any form of account creation or registration may not get reviewed.

Q. Can I see the application without registering for the VCCF Portal?

A. No, to see/review the application, you must register for the VCCF Portal

Fiscal Sponsorship Questions

Q. What is Fiscal Sponsorship?

A. Fiscal sponsorship creates opportunities for organizations without nonprofit designation to operate under the 501(c)(3) structure of a parent nonprofit organization (referred to as the fiscal sponsor). The fiscal sponsor assumes responsibility for the oversight of the project and all of its activities, including financial record keeping and ensuring grant compliance.

Q. Do fiscal sponsors have to be based in Ventura County?

A. No, the fiscal sponsor does not have to be based in Ventura County.

Q. Does the fiscal sponsor need to be an Arts Organization to qualify for the grant?

A. No, the applicant, the Arts Organization must serve the community with a mission focused on Arts and Culture.

Q. Is there a limit on how much a Fiscal Sponsor can collect from sponsoring our grant application?

A. Fiscal Sponsor fee will not exceed the greater of $100 or up to 10% of the total funded direct costs for the grant.

Q. As a non-arts and/or cultural organization, can I apply under fiscal sponsorship as a 501(c)(3) organization for an arts and culture based project within my organization?

A. No. The applicant must be a Ventura County-based arts or cultural organization without 501(c)(3) designation and must not be a direct program of the Fiscal Sponsor. Substantial documentation is required to apply under fiscal sponsorship. Please view the Ventura County Community Foundation’s Policy on Fiscal Sponsorship for more information.

County of Ventura | Arts & Culture Division

Ventura County Government Center
Hall of Administration Building, Fourth Floor
800 South Victoria Avenue, #1940
Ventura, CA 93009

Contact Us

Phone: (805) 654-2681
Email: artsandculture@ventura.org

Please be advised that any communication submitted to the County of Ventura, any Board members, staff or County Consultants is a public record under the Brown Act and California Public Records Act. This means that any information contained in the communication, including personal information, may be subject to public disclosure.

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