MCA ARTS GRANTS

The Marin Cultural Association (MCA) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Arts Grants program. MCA is awarding a total of $100,000 to support artists and arts organizations serving Marin County. Funding for this year's grant cycle was provided with support from the California Arts Council.

Now in its second year, the MCA Arts Grants program expands opportunities for emerging and established artists, cultural organizations, and studio collectives. These grants support a diverse range of arts and cultural programs throughout Marin County, from initiatives serving youth and communities facing barriers to arts participation to programs focused on arts education, community engagement, and cultural preservation.

2026 Arts Organization Grant Recipients
• Alliance for Felix Cove
• California Film Institute
• Enriching Lives Through Music
• Marin Ballet
• Marin Museum of Contemporary Art
• Marin Open Studios
• Marin Society of Artists
• Marin Symphony
• Marinterviews
• Maud Powell String Institute
• Mesa Refuge
• Mountain Play
• Multicultural Center of Marin
• Museum of the American Indian
• Stitchers of San Quentin / Friends of San Quentin Library
• Youth in Arts

2026 Artist and Collective Grant Recipients
• Laura Jiménez Diecks
• Josh Flores
• Sara Gallagher
• Lisa Hamilton
• Emmalyn Harris
• Erica Jordan
• Laura Palmer
• Cindy Pavlinac
• Lara Myers

Together, these grants strengthen community connection, foster belonging, preserve cultural traditions, and ensure that the arts remain a vital part of life in Marin County.

Celebrating Grant Recipients at the Marin County Fair
The 2025 and 2026 MCA Arts Grant recipients will be recognized in the MCA Arts Studio at the Marin County Fair. Visitors can also experience work by past MCA grant recipient Julia Dvorin, whose Spoon House installation will be on display near the Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium during the Fair.

About MCA Arts Grants
The Marin Cultural Association (MCA) Arts Grants program is intended to provide valuable financial support for nonprofit arts organizations and emerging and established artists across Marin County.

Mission

​The Marin Cultural Association’s mission is to support art and culture in Marin County including enhancing the programs and facilities at the Marin Center and the Marin County Fair. A nonprofit in partnership with the Marin Department of Cultural Services, MCA advocates for and serves as a catalyst to increase participation, advance collaboration, and optimize resources for culture in Marin County for all residents.

Grant Program Goals​

The goals for MCA’s Arts Grants program align with the goals of MCA including:

• To sustain and grow Marin’s art resources for all
• To cultivate and advance Marin as an arts and cultural center
• To ensure Marin’s arts are by and for everyone while supporting equitable representation and participation across diverse groups, artforms, and cultural expression

 

Artist Grants​

Grants up to $5,000 are available for emerging and established artists over 18 years old who live or work in Marin County, as well as studio collectives in Marin County.

 

Nonprofit Arts Organizations Grants​

Grants up to $10,000 will be available for nonprofit and fiscally sponsored organizations presenting arts programs in Marin County.

 

What can be funded?​

Funding may be used for operational and/or program support including:

• Arts programming
• Art materials and supplies
• Artist honoraria
• Rental fees for studio or productions
• Production expenses for exhibitions, performances, and festivals

 

Review Process​

Applications are reviewed by a committee of Bay Area arts and culture leaders. Successful applicants will demonstrate quality, impact, community engagement, and equity-minded practices.

 

Who may apply?​

• Established and emerging artists age 18+ who live or work in Marin County
• Artist collectives based in Marin County
• Nonprofit or fiscally sponsored organizations presenting arts programming in Marin County

 

Grant Requirements

Recipients agree to provide reporting and documentation on the use of funds and grant outcomes, complete a post-grant survey, and allow MCA to use their likeness and work for program reporting and promotion.

Upcoming Grant Opportunities
The next cycle of MCA Arts Grants will be announced in Fall 2026. Artists and organizations interested in future funding opportunities are encouraged to check back for program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines.

For questions regarding MCA Arts Grants, please contact info@marincultural.org.

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