Call for Performance and Media Art Collectives: Language of the Cosmos – Innovative Journeys

The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) Performing Arts Division is commissioning two performing and media artist collectives for a unique residency that celebrates the intersection of art and science. Selected artists will work with the Taxco Theatre and the UCLA Space Institute to explore artistic practices inspired by space exploration and Los Angeles' historical contributions to the space program. ​Selected collectives will receive dedicated time and resources to explore the history of Los Angeles as it relates to space exploration locally, nationally, and internationally. ​Artists will have access to the Canoga Park historical archives, UCLA Space Institute faculty and resources, and limited funds to support research and creative discovery. During the project, collectives can consult with renowned scientists and researchers, who may open their laboratories and classrooms to co-create this year’s iteration of Language of the Cosmos. The artistic process will be highly exploratory, encouraging participants to thoughtfully reflect on their practices, broaden their perspectives, and generate new ideas that connect artistic expression with space science. The project will culminate in a public weekend showcase, featuring artistic discoveries, performances, and behind-the-scenes insights into the creative journey. Founded in 2024, the UCLA Space Institute ( https://www.space.ucla.edu )consolidates the University’s long-standing history of space science and technology. Since the 1940s, seminal UCLA discoveries in space physics, observations, robotic and planetary exploration, and the development of novel computational models have propelled UCLA to the forefront of global space research, capturing the nation’s imagination and highlighting the unique place that Los Angeles has in the history of human ventures beyond our cradle. Projects will be presented at the Taxco Theatre in Canoga Park, on Friday and Saturday, June 12, and June 13, 2026. Contact: Dolores Chavez, Taxco Theatre dca-taxcotheatre@lacity.org Award: $4,000 PROJECT TIMELINE March 9 - Application Open March 23 – Application Deadline March 27 - Awardees Announced March - June – Meetings, tours arranged. June 12-13 - Presentations at Taxco Theatre APPLICATION GUIDELINES FUNDING AND PAYMENT CONDITIONS: The City of Los Angeles does not front-fund projects. The commission will be paid in full upon completion of the project and after all contractual requirements have been met. Please note that this may take up to six (6) to nine (9) months to complete. Applicants receiving 2025/2026 grants from DCA’s Grants Division are not eligible for commissions. The winning individual or organization receiving the commission payment must submit a copy of their Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC). For more information visit https://finance.lacity.gov/tax-education/new-business-registration/how-register-btrc . Please forward questions to dca-taxcotheatre@lacity.org , or call 213.526.6936 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS Submission requirements and scoring can be found below. To be considered, interested artists, community, and/or arts organizations must submit the following by the application deadline stated in the call. Cover Letter (10 points) Introduce yourself and your interest in the project. Include the following. Name of Applicant (as it appears on your tax returns): Pronouns of Applicant Telephone Number Email Address Full Mailing Address Website /Social Media Proposal (20 points) Please provide a detailed (300-word) paragraph describing how your collective’s artistic practice will be applied. Explain how you will use the commission funds, referencing your submitted budget. Short Bio (5 points) Provide a brief biography including your background, accomplishments, and artistic statement. Resume (10 points) Submit a resume highlighting your relevant experience, such as event production, community events, or workshops. Work Samples (15 points) Provide links to photos, fliers /video/ film samples that demonstrate your relevant work. Social Media and Press (5 points) Include links to social media, reviews, press coverage, or testimonials from previous projects. Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) The selected artists or organizations receiving the commission must register and submit a copy of their BTRC for payment. The maximum number of points a submission can receive is 65. Selection Criteria and Process DCA|PERF will review submitted proposals for completeness and qualifications. Selection for a contract award will be made based on meeting the following criteria: • Responsiveness to the specifics of this call; • Expertise and experience of Artists; • Creativity and innovation of past work history. DCA|PERF also encourages the submission of proposals from underserved and/or underrepresented artists or firms owned by minorities, women, immigrants, and veterans. DCA|PERF does not discriminate based on race, color,religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, national origin,disability, or veteran status in consideration of these commissions. The City of Los Angeles is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Fine Print The following terms and conditions apply to all responses to this call: 1. DCA|PERF reserves the right to reject any and all proposals submitted; to select one or more responding parties; to void this call and the review process and/or terminate negotiations at any time; to select separate responding parties for various components of the scope of services; to select a final/parties from among the proposals received in response to this call. Additionally, any project elements, requirements, and schedules are subject to change and modification. DCA|PERF also reserves the unqualified right to modify, suspend, or terminate at its sole discretion any aspects of this selection process, to obtain further information from any responding parties, and to waive any defects as to the form or content of this call or any responses by any party; 2. This call does not commit DCA|PERF to award a contract, to defray any costs incurred in the preparation of a response, or to contract for any services. All submitted responses become the property of DCA|PERF as public records. All proposals may be subject to public review, upon request, unless exempted as discussed elsewhere in this call; 3. By accepting this call and/or submitting a proposal in response thereto, each responding party agrees for itself, its successors, and assigns, to hold DCA|PERF and its affiliated entities, the City of Los Angeles, and all of their various agents, commissioners, directors, consultants, attorneys, officers and employees harmless from and against any claims and demands of whatever nature or type, which any such responding company, its representatives, agents, contractors, successors or assigns may have against any of them as a result of issuing or revising this call, conducting the selection process and subsequent negotiations, making a final recommendation, selecting a responding party/parties or negotiating or executing an agreement incorporating the commitments of the selected responding party; 4. By submitting responses, each responding party acknowledges having read this Fine Print in its entirety and agrees to all terms and conditions set therein; 5. Responses shall be open and valid for a period of three (3) weeks from the due date. PROJECT TIMELINE March 9 - Application Open March 23 – Application Deadline March 27 - Awardees Announced March - June – Meetings, tours arranged. June 12-13 - Presentations at Taxco Theatre SUBMISSION SUBMITTAL A complete application consists of answering all the application questions and submitting the required documentation by Friday, March 23, 2026, to dca-taxcotheatre@lacity.org , 11:59 p.m. The subject line should read: Language of the Cosmos Application.