Cultural Funding
As part of its mission to drive El Paso’s cultural vitality, MCAD provides support annually to local artists, area non-profit arts organizations, and creative entrepreneurs through a competitive granting process in six categories that is designed for maximum transparency.
Funding for the Cultural Funding Program is derived from the local allocation of Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) and some City general funds.
FY25 Cultural Funding Program Applicant Cycle
The FY25 funding cycle is now closed. The FY26 cycle will open in Spring 2025. Please see the funding guidelines and orientation schedule for FY25 below.
FY25 Cultural Funding Guidelines
FY25 Orientation Schedule
Panel Nominations
MCAD is looking for qualified individuals to serve as Review Panelists to assist the department with the Cultural Funding Program application review process. Selected panelists will serve on a review panel and review funding applications submitted to MCAD.
Funding Categories
As part of its mission to drive El Paso’s cultural vitality, MCAD provides support annually to local artists, area non-profit arts organizations, and creative entrepreneurs through a competitive granting process in three categories that are designed for maximum transparency.
- The Operating Support Program (OSP) is designed to support the stability of El Paso's arts and cultural assets and to cultivate organizational growth and professional development. This category is open to non-profit, professionally staffed arts organizations with a minimum of a three-year funding history from MCAD. Funds can be used for any operating expenses.
- The Artist Incubator Program (AIP) supports the creation of new work by El Paso artists in all disciplines. Eligible projects must be able to be completed and exhibited or performed publicly within the yearlong funding cycle.
- Arts Activate Program (AAP) provides project-based support for the creation and presentation of innovative arts and cultural activities that are reflective of the El Paso region’s rich and diverse art, culture, and heritage. AAP encourages creative interaction and collaboration among artists, non-profits, residents, neighborhoods, and community-based organizations that support community arts development.
Current Awardees
MCAD is pleased to announce its Cultural Funding Awardees for this fiscal year. The cultural funding program is a way for MCAD to directly invest in the arts, foster cultural activity, and build a vibrant creative community.
For Fiscal Year 2025, 25 awardees were approved for funding by review panels of local artists, non-profit and arts administrators, and community representatives.
Find and download MCAD logos here.
OSP/AAP Quarterly Reporting
All funded OSP and AAP organizations must submit quarterly attendance reports. The report forms will be sent out to grantees via Submittable.com
Attendance Tracking Worksheet - (Optional – does not have to be submitted to the Cultural Development Coordinator)
