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 local allocation of Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) and some City general funds.
FY2023 Cultural Funding Program Cycle is Closed. Please check back in Spring 2023 for information on the next funding cycle.
View Frequently Asked Questions
Orientation
All applicants are required to attend a mandatory orientation prior to applying.
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
The Cultural Funding Program provides resources through the following categories:
- 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.
- Local Filmmaker Program (LFP) *On hiatus for FY23* is a competitive, matching funds program designed to support the work of El Paso filmmakers. The LFP will support projects directed by El Paso artists, which are ready to move into the production or post-production stages of the filmmaking process.
See MCAD CFP Guidelines FY 2023
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, to foster cultural activity, and build a vibrant creative community.
For Fiscal Year 2023, 48 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)
