Destination Crenshaw is excited about the growth of opportunities for creatives and artists in South LA, who all too often face the greatest barriers in accessing the full potential of the Creative Economy in Los Angeles.  We have established multi-faceted programming dedicated to supporting the development of artists, entrepreneurs, and creative service professionals through our DC Arts Corps Programming. We aim to engage an unprecedented number of Black Los Angeles-based artists of various media, including murals, sculpture, illustration, creative writing, and performance, along the 1.3-mile Crenshaw Boulevard corridor.

We invite local artists to submit qualifying materials for consideration in one or more of the following DC Arts Corps Programs:  

Community Murals - An effort to fully integrate the community, the Mural project expands Destination Crenshaw exhibitions onto the walls throughout the Crenshaw district. This integrated approach elevates Mural Artists and supports Local Business development.

Exhibition Design & Storytelling - To ensure fresh ideas, perspectives, and stories in our parks, graphic illustrators/artists, creative writers, and digital artists will be commissioned to generate relevant digital art and stories for the interpretive features of the Sankofa and Pocket parks.

Artist Showcases—Through seasonal showcases, LA artists, curators, performers, and others can express their creativity and perspectives on life along Crenshaw Blvd and in South LA, engaging the community and expanding the art market's reach. Participating artists will be financially supported, provided with marketing assistance, and offered mentorship through curatorial engagement.

--------------
 

This is an open submission platform with no deadline.  Our Destination Crenshaw Public Art Team and Curatorial Committee will review each submission for consideration for any upcoming RFP opportunities. 

Eligibility: Artists grounded in the South LA and Crenshaw District are encouraged to submit qualifications.   

Questions: please feel free to email us at publicarts@destinationcrenshaw.la

Creative Opportunity: Spoken Word Artist –  250 Years: How Black Culture Shaped the U.S.A.

At Destination Crenshaw, we believe that investing in artists is investing in community. Our vision is to preserve, anchor, and uplift South LA's Black culture and creative community while celebrating Crenshaw as the Heart of Black LA. Through public art, cultural programming, and creative economy initiatives, we create opportunities for Black artists, designers, entrepreneurs, and cultural workers to thrive while helping tell the story of our community.

We're excited to invite local spoken word artists and storytellers to submit proposals for 250 Years: How Black Culture Shaped U.S.A

This opportunity is part of our ongoing commitment to supporting South LA's creative economy and ensuring that local talent plays a meaningful role in shaping cultural conversations that honor Black history, creativity, and impact.

About the Opportunity

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Destination Crenshaw is seeking a spoken word artist to create and perform an original piece that explores the theme:

"250 Years: How Black Culture Shaped U.S.A."

We are looking for a powerful, engaging work that reflects on the enduring influence of Black artists, musicians, writers, performers, designers, and cultural innovators whose contributions have shaped American identity, culture, and history. The selected artist's performance will be professionally recorded and featured across Destination Crenshaw's digital platforms, including our website and social media channels. The artist will also have opportunities to perform the piece at future Destination Crenshaw events and public/private programs.

Submission Details

• Project Type: Spoken Word Performance
• Project Description: Creation and performance of an original spoken word piece centered on the theme "250 Years: How Black Arts and Culture Shaped America."
• Performance Length: 2–3.5 minutes
• Submission Requirements: Original (1) written and (2) video/audio recording of the piece (3) Artist Bio/statement, (4) recording of previous performance
• Distribution: Destination Crenshaw website, social media platforms, and future public events
• Submission Deadline: July 5, 2026
• Artist Notification: July 8, 2026
• Compensation: $2,500

Questions: email Heather@destinationcrenshaw.la

Please submit today! We encourage submissions from:

• Emerging and established Black spoken word artists, poets, storytellers, and performers
• Artists who live, work, create, or maintain strong ties to South Los Angeles
• Creatives with a connection to the Crenshaw community and its cultural legacy
• Artists interested in cultural storytelling, history, community engagement, and social impact

Review Process

Our Public Art Team and Curatorial Committee will thoughtfully review each submission, considering artistic merit, storytelling ability, cultural relevance, and alignment with the theme. We appreciate the creativity that goes into every application and will contact selected artists regarding next steps.

The Destination Crenshaw Commitment

Destination Crenshaw is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for local artists and creative entrepreneurs. We recognize the vital role artists play in preserving culture, strengthening community, and driving economic opportunity throughout South Los Angeles.

We look forward to learning more about your work and exploring ways to build together.

At Destination Crenshaw, we believe that investing in artists is investing in community.

Our vision is to preserve, anchor, and uplift South LA's Black culture and creative community while celebrating Crenshaw as the Heart of Black LA. Through public art, cultural programming, and creative economy initiatives, we create opportunities for Black artists, designers, entrepreneurs, and cultural workers to thrive while helping tell the story of our community.

We're excited to invite local photographers, videographers, and content creators to submit qualifications for an opportunity to help document Destination Crenshaw's ongoing community and arts programming.

This opportunity is part of our commitment to supporting South LA's creative economy while ensuring that the stories, people, artists, and cultural moments that shape our community are captured through the lens of local creatives.

About the Opportunity

Destination Crenshaw is seeking talented visual storytellers to document community events, public programs, artist engagements, and cultural activations throughout the year.

Selected creatives may be invited to capture photo and video content at Destination Crenshaw events and programs, producing engaging visual assets that help share our story across digital platforms and community channels. We're looking for creatives who can develop compelling content that reflects the energy, creativity, culture, and impact of Black Los Angeles and the Crenshaw community.

Project Details

• Project Type: Photography, Videography, and Content Creation
• Project Description: Capture and document Destination Crenshaw community events, public art initiatives, artist engagements, and cultural programming through photography and short-form video content.
• Deliverables May Include: (1) Event photography, (2) Short-form social media videos and reels, (3) Behind-the-scenes content, (4) Artist and community interviews, (5) Program recap videos, (6) Visual storytelling assets for marketing and communications
• Engagement Type: Contract-based opportunities throughout the year
• Submission Deadline: July 10, 2026
• Artist Notifications: Rolling basis
• Project Timeline: Ongoing

Submission Details

• A brief artist statement or introduction
• Professional bio or résumé
• Portfolio, website, or social media showcasing relevant work
• 2-3 examples of photography, video, or content creation projects
• Description of your creative services and areas of expertise
• Day rate or project-based pricing information

We encourage submissions from:

• Emerging and established photographers, videographers, editors, and digital storytellers
• Creatives who live, work, create, or maintain strong ties to South Los Angeles
• Artists with experience documenting community events, cultural programming, public art, or live performances
• Creatives with a strong understanding of social media storytelling and audience engagement
• Individuals whose work contributes to the growth and sustainability of South LA's creative economy

Our team will review submissions based on artistic quality, storytelling ability, technical skill, community connection, and alignment with Destination Crenshaw's mission and values. Selected creatives may be invited to join our roster of preferred photographers, videographers, and content creators for future opportunities.

The Destination Crenshaw Commitment

Destination Crenshaw is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for local artists and creative entrepreneurs. We recognize the vital role artists play in preserving culture, strengthening community, and driving economic opportunity throughout South Los Angeles.

We look forward to learning more about your work and exploring ways to build together.