The Tempe Arts & Culture Division develops and manages the city's arts and culture programs and services. The City is dedicated to enriching the lives of the local and extended community by providing life-long engagement through accessible cultural, social, and educational experiences. The links below lead to Tempe Arts & Culture programs to help you discover and enjoy a variety of creative and cultural experiences. See a show, take a class, tour a building, peruse an exhibit… there’s much to see and do in Tempe!
For information about the Tempe Public Art program visit: www.tempe.gov/PublicArt
For information about Art Grants visit: www.tempe.gov/artsgrants
For information about Galleries and Performing Arts visit: www.tempecenterforthearts.com
To submit your final report you must login or create a Submittable account.
Grant-funded Project must be completed by June 30th. The Project’s Final Report must be submitted by July 31st to the City of Tempe. The report will require you to share the outcomes of your project as well images and/or video documentation of your programming. Applicants who fail to complete final reports on time will not be eligible for future arts grants funding from the City of Tempe.
Pursuant to the Grant’s terms and conditions, the City of Tempe has the rights to use any materials submitted in the Final Report for data collection and promotional purposes.
the Final Budget Form, as well as additional information can be found at www.tempe.gov/ArtsGrants
Studio Artists Residency
Studio Artists Residency Description:
The Studio Artists Program is looking for a visual artist for a three-year residency. This partnership between Tempe Elementary District and the City of Tempe provides students with an opportunity to experience quality arts programming and provides personal studio space for the artists.
This residency welcomes visual artists working in painting, drawing, textiles, sculpture, printmaking, and/or mixed media. Please note that the studio spaces are not equipped for ceramics, so artists whose practice is exclusively ceramics-based should consider other opportunities that better support their work.
Artist Expectations
- Develop a hands-on workshop that relates to the artist’s expertise and style with support.
- Provided mentorship with City Staff for workshop development for a minimum of four times at two hours each
- Lead workshops in different schools in the Tempe Elementary School District during the 2026-27, 2027-28, 2028-29 school years
- Upon selection, complete fingerprint clearance card application (reimbursement available)
- Attend an in-person meeting with all Studio Artists and program leads prior to the start of each semester.
Qualifications
- Lives in Tempe or surrounding cities
- Reliable transportation
- Considerations: Artist travels between school sites in Tempe, transports all materials for multiple classrooms, and arrives 15 minutes prior to allow time to check in on campus.
- Experience in teaching visual arts (i.e., workshops, adjunct, after school programs, etc.)
- Interest in working with elementary school students
- Actively creating visual artworks with a cohesive body of current work
Artist Residency Compensation
- $50 per teaching hour leading classroom workshops
- Workshops split into four one-hour meetings in approximately 25 school classrooms per school year (not in artists’ studio)
- $200 for workshop development with support
- 24/7 access to art studio space in district building in Tempe, AZ shared with one to two other artists.
- Studios do not currently support ceramics
Residency Timeline
- May/June – New artist orientation meetings & contract offer
- June/July – Workshop development with support & studio move-in
- August – Fall semester meeting
- August through December – Fall Workshops in classrooms
- January – Spring semester meeting
- January through May – Spring Workshops in classrooms
Application Materials
- Complete questionnaire on Submittable.com and upload requested documents/files
- Resume/CV: Include recent teaching experience and accomplishments as an artist (up to 2 pages)
- 5 Images: Images that show a cohesive body of work completed within the last five years (Please do not include work samples from your students)
Deadline: Next Review Monday, June 8th 11:59pm
- Pre-Submittal Meeting – Watch the recording here!
Questions:
Amanda McGlothern, Community Arts Specialist
amanda_mcglothern@tempe.gov
Tempe Community Arts – Next Wave Grant offers up to $2,500 to support early-stage, small-scale arts and culture projects in Tempe. It’s designed for newer nonprofits, small creative businesses (LLCs) and first-time applicants looking to spark innovative ideas, elevate fresh voices and explore bold approaches that energize the city’s cultural future. This grant invests in what’s next— creative efforts that build connection, access and vibrancy at the grassroots level.
Amount: Up to $2,500 – no match required
Deadlines: July 15, 2026
All applicants are required to meet with Maja Aurora, Community Arts Manager, before applying. Click here to find a time.
Expectations & Eligibility:
- Project must take place in Tempe between September 15, 2026 - June 30, 2027.
- Requests may include creatives, artists fees, contracted services, production costs, venue rentals, supplies, permit fees, event insurance, food and marketing expenses.
- Must be Non-Profit organization or an LLC providing arts programming in Tempe.
- Only eligible to receive one Tempe Community Arts Grant per year (September-June).
Restrictions – this grant does not fund:
- Activities that occur outside of the City of Tempe.
- Projects that are only virtual or streamed via the web.
- Production or commission of public art (i.e. murals); permanent enhancements to infrastructure or facilities, capital investments (equipment that outlast the duration of the project).
- Fundraising, re-granting, scholarship programs or awards.
- Schools or projects with schools (see Arts in Schools programs); parent-teacher organizations (i.e. booster clubs, PTA or PTO).
- TCA home/resident companies; projects funded by a TCC Grant or a Neighborhood Grant; reduction of debt, feasibilities studies.
- Universities, colleges and auxiliary/affiliate organizations.
- Organizations that are incorporated for religious purposes or projects that focus on religious themes.
- Grant administration, overhead or processing fees taken by an umbrella/parent organization as a percentage of the total award, fiscal agents/sponsors.
- Staff salaries that are for work outside the scope of the proposed project.
- Closed subscription or membership programming.
- An applicant who failed to submit a Final Report, complete a project, or return unused funds from a previously funded grant.
Review Process: Applications will be reviewed by an independent community review panel comprised of Tempe residents, cultural leaders and organizers, artists and representatives from the Tempe Arts and Culture Commission. The review process is competitive and based on available funds, therefore, some applications may receive partial or no funding. The panel will recommend awards to the Community Services Director for final approval. Grant Award Notification will take place by August 24, 2026.
Final Report: Must be submitted by June 30, 2027, to be eligible for future grant funding by the City of Tempe. The report will include a summary of the project, attendance and demographic data of participants, a final budget report and professional quality photos of the project. The grant recipient agrees to give the City of Tempe the rights to use any materials submitted in the Final Report for data collection and promotional purposes.
More information at www.tempe.gov/ArtsGrants
Tempe Community Arts – Creative Current Grant provides up to $10,000 for established nonprofit organizations that deliver consistent, high-quality arts programming and drive Tempe’s cultural momentum. These organizations play a key role in building community, strengthening public life and shaping Tempe as a dynamic and inclusive city. This grant supports the steady force behind the arts in Tempe— nonprofits that keep the creative current flowing.
Amount: Up to $10,000 – no match required.
Deadline: July 15, 2026
All applicants are required to meet with Maja Aurora, Community Arts Manager, before applying. Click here to find a time.
Expectations & Eligibility:
- Project must take place in Tempe between September 15, 2026 - June 30, 2027.
- Requests may include creatives, artists fees, contracted services, production costs, venue rentals, supplies, permit fees, event insurance, food and marketing expenses.
- Must be 501(c)(3) Non-Profit organizations providing arts programming in Tempe.
- Only eligible to receive one Tempe Community Arts Grant per year (September-June).
Restrictions – this grant does not fund:
- Activities that occur outside of the City of Tempe.
- Projects that are only virtual or streamed via the web.
- Production or commission of public art (i.e. murals); permanent enhancements to infrastructure or facilities, capital investments (equipment that outlast the duration of the project).
- Fundraising, re-granting, scholarship programs or awards.
- Schools or projects with schools (see Arts in Schools programs); parent-teacher organizations (i.e. booster clubs, PTA or PTO).
- TCA home/resident companies; projects funded by a TCC Grant or a Neighborhood Grant; reduction of debt, feasibilities studies.
- Universities, colleges and auxiliary/affiliate organizations.
- For-profit organizations, organizations that are incorporated for religious purposes or projects that focus on religious themes.
- Grant administration, overhead or processing fees taken by an umbrella/parent organization as a percentage of the total award, fiscal agents/sponsors.
- Staff salaries that are for work outside the scope of the proposed project.
- Closed subscription or membership programming.
- An applicant who failed to submit a Final Report, complete a project, or return unused funds from a previously funded grant.
Review Process: Applications will be reviewed by an independent community review panel comprised of Tempe residents, cultural leaders and organizers, artists and representatives from the Tempe Arts and Culture Commission. The review process is competitive and based on available funds, therefore, some applications may receive partial or no funding. The panel will recommend awards to the Community Services Director for final approval. Grant Award Notification will take place by August 24, 2026.
Final Report: Must be submitted by June 30, 2027, to be eligible for future grant funding by the City of Tempe. The report will include a summary of the project, attendance and demographic data of participants, a final budget report and professional quality photos of the project. The grant recipient agrees to give the City of Tempe the rights to use any materials submitted in the Final Report for data collection and promotional purposes.
Dance Tempe: Residencies & Performance
Call for Dance Artists
DEADLINE:
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11:59pm
Description
Tempe Community Arts is seeking three local dance artists for residencies in Tempe high schools. This Fall, each selected artist will complete residencies in two schools, leading workshops and rehearsals throughout the Fall semester. The pieces created in the residencies will premiere as part of the Dance Tempe Convention and culminating showcase at Tempe Center for the Arts on February 2nd, 2027. Selected resident artists will also present work with their own professional companies in the showcase and will help lead the convention day leading up to the performance. Dance artists with experience in facilitating, placemaking, choreographing, performing, and/or dance education are encouraged to apply.
Expectations
Dance Tempe has two components:
1. High School Residencies
a. Rehearsals: Two hours weekly per school from October – December (rehearsals occur during adv. dance class periods)
b. Workshops: One workshop taught to every class period at each school
2. Convention/Performance Day
a. Convention Day: Lead multi-school workshops, partake in a Q&A discussion, direct tech rehearsals for all three of your pieces
b. Showcase Performance: Present the two high school pieces you created in the residencies as well as a piece presented by your professional company
Selected artists are expected to:
Residencies (Oct 2026-Jan 2027)
· Lead a demo class before residencies begin
· Be available during school hours for workshops and rehearsals
· Lead residencies as an individual (no affiliated company members are allowed to complete any aspect of the residency)
· Teach one full day of workshops to all dance levels in selected schools (~5 classes per school, ~45 minutes each)
· Rehearse with and set a piece on the advanced class at each school, to premiere at Tempe Center for the Arts (2-4 minutes in length; to be set over 10 rehearsals throughout the Fall semester)
· Complete the high school pieces by January 30, 2027
· Be available for 3-4 convention-day planning meetings throughout the residency period
· Upon selection, complete fingerprint clearance process (required for working in the school district)
Convention/Performance Day (Feb 2, 2027)
· Be available the evening before the show (Feb 1) for professional piece tech rehearsals
· Lead morning workshops, participate in student Q&A, run tech/dress rehearsals, assist students throughout the day
· Include costuming and lighting design for both high school pieces and professional piece
· Present their own professional work at Tempe Center for the Arts (6-8 minutes in length)
Qualifications
Applicants who meet the following qualifications are encouraged to apply:
· Experience as an educator, performer, and choreographer in the field of dance
· Experience teaching and/or choreographing with professional-level dancers and high-school level dancers
· Experience using creative skills in social practice, creative place-making, community engagement, and dance education
· Live in Maricopa County from August 2026 – February 2027
· Did not get selected as a Dance Tempe Resident Artist last year (2025-2026)
Compensation
$3,000 (with additional funding for performers in your professional work)
Compensation Breakdown:
Residencies: $2,000
$1,000 – School 1
$250 for the day of workshops to all class levels at the school
$750 for 10 rehearsal hours
$1,000 – School 2
$250 for the day of workshops to all class levels at the school
$750 for 10 rehearsal hours
Convention/Performance Day: $1,000
$500 – Dance Tempe Convention Day on February 3, 2027
$250 for morning workshops to other schools
$250 for participating in Q&A and leading tech rehearsals for your pieces
$500 – Choreographic fee for professional piece
Additional funding: $250 stipend for each dance artist performing in your professional piece (up to 6 dancers)
Timeline Jul. 22 – Application deadline
Aug. 18 – Selection panel
Late Aug. – Artists notified & begin fingerprint card process; Onboarding meeting #1
Early Sept. – Lead demo class at Edna Vihel Arts Center
Late Sept. – Scheduling meeting with high school teachers and Ellen
Oct. 15 - Jan. 30 – Residency/rehearsal period (10 rehearsals total)
Early Dec. – Planning meeting #2
Dec. 16 - Jan. 2 – Winter Break
Mid Jan. – Planning meeting #3
Jan. 30 – Latest date to finish residency pieces
Feb. 1 – Professional piece tech rehearsals at Tempe Center for the Arts
Feb. 2 – Convention/Performance Day at Tempe Center for the Arts
Applications will be reviewed and selected by a panel comprised of staff from Tempe Community Arts, Tempe Arts & Culture Commission, and Tempe Union High School District.
Info Session / Application Mentorship: July 16th at 12pm (45 minutes in length) Sign up for the Zoom link or for the meeting recording by filling out this form. Or, schedule a one-on-one meeting with Ellen Sickenberger regarding this call by clicking here.
For Questions, Contact: Ellen Sickenberger, Community Arts Coordinator Ellen_Sickenberger@tempe.gov (480)316-1389