Capital Region Individual Artist Fellowships
The Capital Region Individual Artist Fellowship (IAF), administered by Teatro Nagual, in partnership with the California Arts Council, celebrate and support artists across disciplines who are shaping culture in the counties of Alpine, El Dorado, Sacramento, Solano and Yolo. This program provides unrestricted funding to individual artists at key moments in their careers, empowering them to deepen their practice, expand their impact, and continue contributing to their communities.
Artists working in all forms, including performing, visual, literary, media, traditional, and socially engaged practices, are encouraged to apply. The fellowship recognizes artistic excellence through a strong creative vision, sustained commitment to craft, and meaningful community engagement.
For questions, please contact iaf@teatronagual.com
Download the full guidelines PDF for complete details.
Apply now
Ready to apply? Start your application below.
Choose the tier that best aligns with your artistic experience.
Ready to apply? Start your application below.
Choose the tier that best aligns with your artistic experience.
Si deseas recibir la solicitud y las guías en español, por favor envíanos un correo electrónico a iaf@teatronagual.com
upcoming events
Teatro Nagual has partnered with Art Tonic to give artists a hand with the application process. Join these free information sessions to learn more about the fellowship and get support with your application.
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IAF Sacramento Peer Editing Lab - Wed. May 20, 2026, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Join your peers in person to polish your fellowship answers during this collaborative session. Bring a draft of your application to participate in a peer-editing exercise. Refine your language and ensure your application is as competitive as possible before submission. In person. REGISTER HERE
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Virtual Office Hours - Wed. May 27, 2026, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Attend for personalized support in a virtual group setting.
Virtual session. REGISTER HERE
In addition to these workshops, representatives from Teatro Nagual and Art Tonic will visit events throughout the Capital Region to share fellowship information and answer questions. Please see the calendar for the most up to date schedule.
Need one-on-one support? Schedule a meeting with a Teatro Nagual or Art Tonic representative below.
Award Tiers
Artists may apply to one of three tiers based on their experience:
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Emerging Artists - $5,000
Early in their careers, beginning to share work publicly
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Established Artists - $10,000
Actively presenting work and engaging community
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Legacy Artists - $50,000
Long-standing careers with significant impact and leadership
Funding is unrestricted and intended to support each artist’s individual practice.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must:
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Be 18 years or older
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Have lived in California for at least two consecutive years
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Currently reside in the Capital Region (Alpine, El Dorado, Sacramento, Solano, or Yolo County)
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Be an individual artist or culture bearer
Proof of residency is required at the time of application.
Program Timeline
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Application Opens: May 4, 2026
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Deadline: June 5, 2026
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Funding Decisions: August 2026
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Grant Period: September 2026 – August 2027
What Fellows Can Expect
Selected artists will receive funding along with opportunities for connection and recognition. Fellows are expected to:
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Stay in communication with Teatro Nagual throughout the grant period
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Participate in cohort gatherings or convenings
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Share a final report highlighting their work and community impact
This program is designed not just as funding, but as a platform to uplift artists and build community across the region.
How Applications Are Evaluated
Applications are reviewed by a peer panel and scored based on:
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Creative Vision – clarity of artistic voice and goals
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Aesthetic Excellence – strength and integrity of the work
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Community Engagement & Impact – meaningful connection and contribution to community
Applicants will submit written responses and work samples that reflect their practice and impact.
Accessibility
Teatro Nagual is committed to access and inclusion.
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Materials are available in plain language
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Spanish-language applications and support are available upon request - La solicitud y el apoyo en español están disponibles si lo solicitas.
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Accommodations are available for artists with disabilities
Applicants are encouraged to reach out in advance for support.