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Burbank Board approves $56,500 in community arts grants for 17 projects
Summary
The Parks and Recreation Board voted Feb. 13 to approve the Community Arts Grant panel's recommendation to award $56,500 to 17 artists and organizations for projects taking place March 1, 2025'Feb. 28, 2026; funds are disbursed in two installments and recipients must submit final reports.
The Burbank Parks and Recreation Board voted Feb. 13 to approve the Community Arts Grant panel's recommendation to award a total of $56,500 to 17 artists and arts organizations for programming in 2025.
Staff presented the panel's process and eligibility criteria, and described the grants as awards meant to "support visual and performing arts programs that promote community wide arts participation and provide enriching experiences for all individuals," according to Aaron Barrows, recreation services manager.
Award and process details The program awarded $56,500 in this funding cycle, increased from $50,000 in 2024 after rollover funds and returned awards became available. The grants are intended for projects that serve Burbank residents and are to be completed within the city; eligible applicants had to be based in Los Angeles County and complete projects within Burbank.
Panel review and recipients A peer-review panel of five experts including representatives from the Burbank Arts & Education Foundation and the Los Angeles County Department of Arts & Culture evaluated 30 eligible applications on artistic merit, community access and impact, project viability, managerial and fiscal competence, cultural equity, and Burbank residency. Of the 30 eligible applications, staff reported that 16 (53%) were based in Burbank, 18 (60%) were individual artists and 12 (40%) were arts organizations.
Funding and oversight Barrows said awards will be paid in two installments and recipients will have to submit a final report and expense documentation to receive the final payment; grantees who accept funding may be subject to audits. Projects must be completed within the grant period, March 1, 2025 to Feb. 28, 2026, or awarded funds must be returned.
Board reaction and vote Board members praised the diversity of awards. Robbie Brody called the program "a wonderful" addition to local arts support, and several members spoke in support before the board approved the allocation on a voice vote; the transcript records affirmative responses but no roll-call tally.
