CALL FOR PROGRAM PROPOSALS

We are seeking proposals from artists, art educators, and cultural organizations to produce public programming for our 2025 – 2026 season (September 1 – May 31). We aim to diversify our offerings and present a range of classes, workshops, courses, tours, performances, panels, and exhibits in all manner of the arts to celebrate and explore the Black culture.

Note: Artists and organizations submitting proposals must be located in the City of Dallas.

We offer two program tracks for interested artists and organizations – projects and partnerships. More information about each track can be found below.

Proposals are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Proposal Submission GuidelinesΒ 

Proposals for projects and partnerships with South Dallas Cultural Center are currently being accepted on an ongoing basis. Proposals must be submittedΒ no less than three weeksΒ prior to project start date. Decisions will be made with a joint staff and community programming panel. During the review process, applicants may be asked to provide more details or come to the office for an in-person interview.

Incomplete submissions will not be considered. If a proposal is incomplete, the submitting artist/organization will be informed that their proposal is no longer being considered for the upcoming season. Artists/organizations who are not accepted for the upcoming season will be permitted to re-submit the following year.

This year, all proposals submissions must be submitted through an online application. Applicants must also complete the Support Materials document, providing samples of work and more information about the proposed program. A template document is available (see below). It is recommended that all applicants follow the template closely. There will be no in-person submissions, auditions or art-pieces accepted during the initial proposal process.

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Directions for Submitting Proposals

  1. Before beginning the proposal process, carefully read the Call for Proposals guidelines for each track.
  2. Using Support Materials template, provide all relevant information to support project/program proposal.
  3. Save completed Support Materials document as a Word or PDF file. File size should be not exceed 8 MB. It is highly recommended to save document as PDF to retain document format.
  4. Using a file sharing platform of your choice, create a shareable link of the Support Materials document. (Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, Microsoft Onedrive, We Transfer, Canva are just a few options.)
  5. Complete online application.Β ProjectΒ |Β Core Group
  6. Under the Support Materials section, drop file share link into online proposal application.
  7. Submit online proposal application.
  8. You’re done!
Block 1

PROJECT TRACK

The project track is a good choice if:

  • You are an artist/organization at any stage of career;
  • You are wanting limited time engagement (1 – 59 content hours);
  • You need limited assistance from SDCC to perform;
  • You share similar value(s) or align with key criteria in our mission statement;
  • You serve our target demographics or are looking to expand to serve our target demographics

We enthusiastically welcome project proposals that offers modern and traditional programming in the arts. Project proposals can be submitted by artists/organizations in any stage in their career as long as they have a well-crafted program that is short and meets our main criteria. Multiple submissions can be made by an artist/organization for the same program year and each submission will be judged separately.

Criteria

Project submissions should reflect the following criteria:

  • share similar value(s) or align with our mission statement
  • seeks to serve our target demographics
  • limited time engagement (1 – 59 content hours)
  • limited assistance needed from SDCC to perform

Benefits

We can support accepted projects in the following areas:Β 

  • Space
  • Equipment (limited)
  • Marketing and communications support
  • Artist community/ networking

Details

Successful project proposals will detail how the aforementioned criteria will be met by the project proposed. We will accept proposals in varying artforms, content, and age groups served as long as they adhere to the target demographic served, time constraints, and values promoted.

Artists offering project proposals have no career requirements to qualify as a teacher/administrator of the project but need to show competency in the artform, clear values and intention in offering the project and a demonstrated need of how performing the project with us would be beneficial to the success of the project.

Successful project proposals will detail exactly which spaces, equipment and marketing support will be needed to ensure the success of the project.

This year, all proposals submissions must be submitted through an online application. Applicants must also complete the Support Materials document, providing samples of work and additional information about the proposed project/program. A downloadable template document can be found below. It is recommended that all applicants follow the template closely. There will be no in-person submissions, auditions or art-pieces accepted during the initial proposal process.

DIRECTIONS FOR SUBMITTING PROPOSAL:

  1. Before beginning the proposal process, carefully read the Call for Proposals guidelines for each track.
  2. Using Support Materials template, provide all relevant information to support project/program proposal.
  3. Save completed Support Materials document as a Word or PDF file. File size should be not exceed 8 MB. It is highly recommended to save document as PDF to retain document format.
  4. Using a file sharing platform of your choice, create a shareable link of the Support Materials document. (Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, Microsoft Onedrive, We Transfer, Canva are just a few options.)
  5. Complete online application.Β Project
  6. Under the Support Materials section, drop file share link into online proposal application.
  7. Submit online proposal application.
  8. You’re done!
Apply

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Block 2

CORE GROUP TRACK

Becoming a Core Group at the South Dallas Cultural Center (SDCC) is an opportunity for artists and organizations to maintain a consistent presence at the Center while contributing to free, community-centered programming.

The Core Group Track is appropriate if:

  • You are an artist or organization with a mission, practice, or audience that aligns with SDCC’s values and the South Dallas community

  • You are seeking ongoing, recurring access to space rather than a single project-based partnership

  • You are committed to providing free public programming on a regular basis

  • You are able to operate within time and scheduling limitations established by SDCC

  • You are willing to serve as a steward of City facilities, including shared responsibility for cleanliness, care, and respectful use of space

  • You are interested in being part of SDCC’s broader programming ecosystem and participating in Center-led initiatives when invited

Core Groups are distinguished by their commitment to consistent community engagement and responsible use of space. Core Group status supports continuity, access, and shared ownership of the Center as a public cultural resource.

CORE GROUP REVIEW & APPROVAL PROCESS

Core Group applications are reviewed by SDCC staff to assess:

  • Alignment with SDCC’s mission, values, and community impact goals

  • Capacity to deliver consistent, free public programming

  • Responsible use of space and adherence to City policies

  • Prior history with SDCC (if applicable)

Core Group placements are limited and determined based on space availability, program balance, and community need. Approval is granted for a defined program period and is subject to periodic review.

Core Group status is not guaranteed year over year and must be renewed through the established application or review process. Previous participation does not ensure continued access.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO CORE GROUPS

Core Groups may be eligible for the following resources, subject to availability and approval:

Space & Equipment

  • Access to designated studios or rooms during approved time blocks

  • Use of equipment specific to the approved activity

  • All space and equipment requests must be identified in advance

Marketing Support

  • SDCC may assist with promotion at its discretion

  • Core Groups are primarily responsible for marketing their own programs

  • Programs must be clearly identified as free and open to the public

Administrative Coordination

  • Scheduling coordination and basic operational support

  • Clear communication regarding expectations, policies, and shared use

Note: Core Group participation does not guarantee financial support.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF CORE GROUPS

In exchange for access to space and ongoing presence at SDCC, Core Groups are expected to:

  • Provide at least one free public program per month

  • Operate within approved time limits (maximum weekly hours and Saturday restrictions)

  • Actively market free programming to the public

  • Participate in SDCC-led programming and initiatives when invited

  • Maintain accurate communication with SDCC staff

  • Serve as stewards of SDCC spaces by ensuring spaces are cleaned and restored after each use

  • Submit reports or feedback as requested to support program evaluation

Failure to meet these responsibilities may impact scheduling priority, access, or continued Core Group eligibility.

PROGRAM DETAILS & SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Successful Core Group applications clearly outline:

  • Program description and intended community impact

  • Target audience and frequency of free public programming

  • Requested space, equipment, and schedule

  • Marketing approach and outreach strategy

  • Organizational or artistic background and credentials

Applications may span various disciplines, age groups, and formats, provided they align with SDCC’s mission, policies, and community goals.

APPLICATION & RENEWAL PROCESS

  • All Core Group applications must be submitted through SDCC’s online application system

  • Applicants must complete the Support Materials section, including work samples and program details, marketing plan

  • Applications are reviewed during designated intake periods

  • No in-person submissions or auditions are required during the initial review phase

Renewal is contingent upon:

  • Program delivery

  • Compliance with guidelines

  • Community engagement outcomes

  • Responsible stewardship of space

DIRECTIONS FOR SUBMITTING PROPOSAL

  1. Before beginning the proposal process, carefully read the Call for Proposals guidelines for each track.
  2. Using Support Materials template, provide all relevant information to support project/program proposal.
  3. Save completed Support Materials document as a Word or PDF file. File size should be not exceed 8 MB. It is highly recommended to save document as PDF to retain document format.
  4. Using a file sharing platform of your choice, create a shareable link of the Support Materials document. (Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, Microsoft Onedrive, We Transfer, Canva are just a few options.)
  5. Complete online application.Β Core Group
  6. Under the Support Materials section, drop file share link into online proposal application.
  7. Submit online proposal application.
  8. You’re done!
Apply

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