CITY OF CATHEDRAL CITY
FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2025/2026
COMMUNITY ARTS GRANT PROGRAM
To be considered for funding, a complete application must be submitted by:
• Hard copies - postmarked by April 18, 2025
• Electronic copies - received by 5:00pm on Friday April 18, 2025. • Electronic submittal is preferred.
BEFORE SUBMITTING: Check each item included in your application package. Ensure all required text fields and applicable boxes are completed. While filling out the application, if additional space is needed, please attach additional pages to the application or include other attachments.
We are delighted to announce the opening of the application period for the Community Arts Grant Program offered by the City of Cathedral City. This grant aims to support artists and organizations in the creation and implementation of art and art education projects that contribute to the cultural vitality and vibrancy of our community.
The Community Arts Grant Program seeks to fund innovative projects that engage and enrich the community.
We welcome proposals from artists, performers, dancers, authors, poets, musicians, designers, artist collectives, non-profit organizations, governmental, tribal and community groups and any other creative-types who are passionate about using the arts as a means of community beautification, social transformation, cultural appreciation, and civic dialogue. "Art" can be defined in the broadest extent to i nclude art expressed in any medium, including, without limitation, painting, sculpture, photography, lithography and other physical mediums; music, singing, spoken word, and other auditory mediums ; plays, films, dance, and other performance medium; literature and poetry, art history and interpretation; clothing and fashions, and cultural expressions. Art education may be provided by any reasonable means that best achieves the purpose set forth above, including, without limitation, classes, lectures, tours, programs, events, festivals, exhibits, performances, writings, films, audio recordings, and similar means. The grant is not intended to fund permanent art pieces or installations.
We encourage artists and organizations from all backgrounds and disciplines to apply for the Community Arts Grant Program and join us in creating inspiring art and cultural experiences that enrich our community. We look forward to receiving your applications and supporting the realization of your creative visions.
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY 5:00PM FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2025
Late applications will not be accepted.
Submit application to:
[email protected]
or
City of Cathedral City
68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Attention: Anne Ambrose, Assistant City Manager/
Public Arts Commission Liaison
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND POLICY GUIDELINES
• Applicants must submit a complete application including project proposal, budget, timeline and supporting materials.
• Applicants can be an individual (must complete a W-9), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, private entity, government, school, or tribal agency.
• Applicants must demonstrate that the activity proposed occurs within the geographical boundaries of the City of Cathedral City.
• Individual/Organizational residency in Cathedral City is not a requirement as long as the proposed project occurs in the City.
• Any activity proposed must be reasonably available to members of the general public. An activity will be considered reasonably available to members of the general public where the activity is open to the general public or is open to members of the public who timely reserve participation in the activity. Space for participants may be limited and the activity may be provided for only a limited time. Activities may be held in the facilities of public entities, non-profit or charitable organizations, and privat e facilities, provided that attendance of activities must not be limited to members, owners, subscribers or other interest holders in the private facility. Participation in certain activities may be limited to certain members of the general public, such as youths, students, seniors, or other reasonable grouping that does not constitute unlawful discrimination of a protected class. • Grant activities must be completed by June 30, 2026.
• Grant recipients must comply with all grant requirements and reporting obligations.
GRANT APPLICATION CHECKLIST
• Community Art Grant Program Application
• Samples of art/performances /events completed relevant to the proposed project. Include attachments or links to bio’s, social media or websites. Submitted attachments can be no larger than 20mb.
• Letters of support. Optional but encouraged. Include letters of support from community partners, stakeholders, or collaborators endorsing your project and/or confirming their involvement.
APPLICANT INFORMATION:
NAME (INDIVIDUAL OR ORGANIZATION):
ADDRESS:
CITY: STATE: ZIP:
CONTACT PERSON: TITLE:
TELEPHONE: EMAIL:
ORGANIZATION PRESIDENT OR CHAIR (IF APPLICABLE):
(Legal authority for organization)
IF NON-PROFIT, INCLUDE 501(c)3 number:
PROGRAM / SERVICE / EVENT INFORMATION:
GRANT AMOUNT REQUESTED Minimum $250 Maximum $5,000:
TOTAL PROGRAM / SERVICE / EVENT/ART COST:
Program/Service/Event Period or Date
Funding must be expended by 6/20/2026)
From: To:
1. Describe How The Requested Funds Will Be Used: (Include artistic concept, intended audience, community engagement strategies. Do you have community partners that will be involved in implementing this project? If so, please list along with their roles).
2. Budget: ( Provide a comprehensive budget for your project. Budget should include total grant funds requested, all project expenses including artist fees, materials, installation costs, rentals, advertising, travel costs . Do you have other funding that will be leveraged/used with these funds? If so, please include.)
3. Briefly Describe Your/Your Organization’s Background. (Describe your/your organization’s background and experience. Provide examples of any relevant work, images, or links to online portfolios that have relevance to the project being proposed. Describe your/your organization’s capacity to execute the proposed activities.)
Desert Ensemble Theatre Co.
PO BOX 2885
Palm Springs
CA
92263
Shawn Abramowitz
Executive Director
760-668-4645
Shawn Abramowitz
452677346
$5,000
Desert Ensemble Theatre StageCraft Studio
10/1/2025
4/30/2026
The requested funds will support the continuation of the Desert Ensemble Theatre StageCraft Studio, a hands-on student internship program created by Desert Ensemble Theatre (DET) to train and mentor the next generation of theatre technicians and set designers.
The funds will directly pay for the materials needed for the internship such as paint, wood, hardware, tools, etc. In addition the funds will partially pay for rent space and the administrators who oversee and teach during the internship.
The primary audience includes: student interns from Cathedral City High School (ages 14-18), with an emphasis on Sophmores, Juniors, and Seniors. Desert Ensemble Theatre patrons and broader theatre audiences, who will experience the work of these students on stage.
Families, educators, and youth advocates who are invested in career development opportunities in the arts.
We have partnered with Cathedral City High Hchool since 2019, The Western Wind Foundation, The Houston Foundation, and Agua Caliente Band of Mission Indians. Individual partners are Tony Padilla (board member), Tom Valach and Jason Smith (Owners of Two for Show), Erin Hyland (Local resident and supporter) and Tessa Walker (Producer). All of these individual partners will help implement and run this program.
7 Month Budget
-Materials (Paint, wood, hardware, tools) - $8,000
-Rent for shop (located at 35-688 Cathedral Canyon Dr., Suite 210. Cathedral City, CA 92234) - $15,340 ($1,534 per month) -Facilitator Fee - $6,800
Total: $30,140
Total grant funds requested: $5,000
Funding that will be leveraged with the Community Arts Grant Program: $15,000 from DET program income, $3,000 grant from H.N and C. Berger Foundation, $7,140 from individual donations.
Desert Ensemble Theatre (DET), founded in 2011, is a professional, non-profit performing arts organization based in Palm Springs, California. Known for its commitment to new and innovative theatrical works, DET emphasizes original productions, thought-provoking drama, and artistic excellence. The company serves the Coachella Valley with a dynamic season of plays and community-driven programming that nurtures local talent and engages diverse audiences. Examples of recent and relevant productions include "God of Carnage", "The Beebo Brinker Chronicles", and world premieres like "Kafka's Joke", showcasing DET's dedication to developing new voices in American theatre. The company is also recognized for its collaborative and hands-on approach, working with emerging and established playwrights, designers, and technicians. DET has a strong infrastructure for supporting a Stagecraft Internship. With a resident team of experienced theatre professionals, access to a fully equipped performance venue and scene shop, and a history of mentoring young theatre artists, the organization is well-positioned to offer practical, in-depth training in scenic design, lighting, props, sound, and backstage management. Interns will gain valuable, real-world experience by working on active productions from design concept to final performance under the guidance of skilled mentors.
4. Timeline: (Provide a timeline outlining key project milestones and activities from conception to completion.)
5. What Do You Ultimately Hope To Accomplish Through Your Proposed Art/Program/Event? How Will It Enrich Cathedral City? (Describe your goals and objectives and how many people you hope to impact as a result of your project.)
6. If Your Art/Program/Event Costs More Than You Are Requesting From The Community Arts Grant Program, How Do You Plan To Pay For The Additional Costs? ( What Steps Have You Already Taken To Get Additional Funds Or In- Kind Support If Necessary?)
7. Do You Plan To Continue This Art/Program/Event Beyond The Period For Which You Have Requested The Funds? If So, How Do You Plan To Continue Paying For It? (Describe the types of efforts you will undertake to raise funds as well as your/your organization’s history of maintaining services/programs.) 2025
September 1-15th - Interviews with potential CCHS students will being September 16th - acceptance letters to CCHS students will be sent Septmeber 20th - Acknowledgement and acceptance of internship by students October 4th - internsthip Orientation with facilitators and DET October/November - Scene shop internship (9am-12pm on Saturdays) for SHOW 1 (TBA) December/Janaury (2026) - Scene shop internship (9am-12pm on Saturdays) for SHOW 2 (TBA) 2026
Janaury/Feb - Scene shop internship (9am-12pm on Saturdays) for SHOW 3 (TBA) March/April - Scene shop internship (9am-12pm on Saturdays) for SHOW 4 (TBA) The primary goal of the **StageCraft Studio** internship is to provide young people with hands-on, professional training in the art and craft of theatrical set design and construction, equipping them with both creative and technical skills that can lead to careers in theatre production, film, television, or related industries.
Through mentorship, real-world experience, and community engagement, the program aims to:
- Foster artistic and technical confidence in students. - Create pathways to employment or higher education in the performing arts. - Diversify the pipeline of behind-the-scenes theatre professionals. - Strengthen the cultural fabric of the Coachella Valley by involving youth in the creation of live, local theatre.
Our program costs more than what we are requesting, our plan to cover the additional costs are as follows:
-Securing a grant from the H.N. and C. Berger Foundation in the amount of $3,000. If the foundation doesnt fund in time, we have an individual donor who will cover the costs. We have submitted the request and should hear back from the foundation by the end of July. -We built into our budget $15,000 to the cost of rent for the shop that is located in Cathedral City. -We do have a decent amount of inividual donors who we would reach out to to secure funding. At this point, we have recieved verbal committment of $4,000 from individual donors.
Our season runs October through April every year, we would not be running past the requested time.
8. (OPTIONAL) Is There Anything That You Would Like To Add? If So, Please Tell Us Here:
*Attachments may be included with your submission. If including photos, files can be no larger than 20 mb.
To be considered for funding, a complete application must be submitted by:
• Hard copies - postmarked by Friday, April 18, 2025
• Electronic copies - received by 5:00pm on Friday August 18, 2025 • Electronic submittal is preferred
Questions: Please email [email protected] or call Anne Ambrose, Public Arts Commission Liaison at (760) 770-0331.
We respectfully request funding to support the launch and implementation of the StageCraft Studio internship at Desert Ensemble Theatre. These funds will directly provide students the necessary tools and materials, and support professional mentorships that guide interns through the process of designing and building sets for our productions. Your support will help empower young people with practical skills, creative confidence, and a pathway into the arts industry.