The City of San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) supports projects where the arts can help to organize and improve neighborhoods, foster community development and stimulate local economies. The OCA's purpose, through the Neighborhood Arts Program, is to encourage collaboration between artists, arts organizations and the community and to improve access to the arts for City of San Antonio neighborhoods.

See Guidelines for updated text.

Funding is currently not available. 

Awards are based on established and equal council district allocations. The maximum grant award will be $20,000 with amounts ranging from $5,000 - $20,000. Second year applicants must match the amount requested with any combination of cash and/or in-kind contributions. There is no match requirement for first time applicants. Grants are on a two year cycle and the next cycle will be announced in the spring of 2007.

See Guidelines for updated text.

Projects which are not clearly arts services, do not take place in a geographically defined area of San Antonio, are listed as a funding restriction, do not include a culminating event or activity, or which cannot be completed within the project period, are ineligible. Funds cannot be used for:

• Projects or activities previously funded by OCA that do not address new target audiences, evolving community needs, and new partnerships.
• Operating or administrative costs that are not directly incurred by the project.
• Projects of a religious nature designed to promote or inhibit religious belief and/or practice and which have no basic underlying secular theme or topics.
• Projects or activities that are traditionally the responsibility of government.
• Private events closed to the general public, activities restricted to an organization’s membership, or occurring outside of the city.
• Loan repayments, fines, interest and/or penalties, deficit reduction, or litigation costs.
• Lobbying expenses and political contributions.
• Capital improvements, construction, renovations, and structural maintenance of facilities.
• Fundraising events and activities.
• Tuition, scholarships, and purchase awards or prizes.
• Licensing fees of any kind.
• Food or beverage for hospitality or entertainment functions.
• Sub-granting or re-granting awarded funds.
• Purchase of equipment or property.

• Descriptions of Funded Projects
• Application Instructions

• Application  
• Guidelines
• Review Committee Nomination Form
• Checklist and Assurance Form

Juan Hernandez, Project Specialist - 210.207.6964