The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), through its Performing Arts Division Performing Arts Division (PERF), is officially inviting performing arts organizations across North Hollywood and greater Los Angeles to shape the creative future of youth ages 7–16. This newly announced NoHo Afterschool Performing Arts Classes – Spring 2026 Session offers a powerful opportunity for arts organizations to lead, teach, and inspire young Angelenos during an eight-week afterschool residency hosted at the iconic Lankershim Arts Center.

Designed to amplify access to arts education while strengthening community-based youth engagement, this open call prioritizes organizations with a demonstrated commitment to nurturing young talent in performance, production, and creative storytelling. The program aligns with DCA’s long-standing mission to ensure equitable cultural access while supporting the professional ecosystem of arts education in Los Angeles.

🌟 A Creative Platform Rooted in Community

The selected lead organization will deliver two to three structured afterschool classes between April 7 and May 28, 2026, meeting Tuesday through Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Classes will be hosted exclusively at Lankershim Arts Center in North Hollywood, with DCA providing venue support while the organization manages curriculum, registration, and outreach.

This initiative is especially ideal for arts organizations already working with youth or those looking to expand their reach in North Hollywood. Both emerging and established groups are encouraged to apply, provided they have a strong record of youth engagement and the operational capacity to independently manage enrollment and promotion.

🎬 Eligible Instructional Focus Areas

Organizations may propose programming in a wide range of disciplines that reflect today’s interdisciplinary arts landscape, including:

  • Performance Arts – Acting, dance, vocals, dialects

  • Design & Technical Theater – Costume, set, lighting, and sound design

  • Stagecraft & Production – Stage management, filmmaking, music production, videography

  • Marketing & Graphics – Graphic design, logos, posters, playbills

One lead organization will be selected through a peer-review panel and awarded a $2,000 commission to operate the full eight-week program. Payment is processed post-completion and may take up to six months.

📅 Key Program Dates to Know

  • Call Announced: January 21, 2026

  • Application Deadline: February 6, 2026

  • Panel Review: February 11, 2026

  • Notification: February 17, 2026

  • Public Registration Opens: March 3, 2026

  • Classes Run: April 7 – May 28, 2026

(Dates subject to minor adjustment.)

📌 What Selected Organizations Must Provide

  • Student registration and promotional outreach

  • Age-appropriate, engaging instruction with a clear thematic focus

  • Safe, organized classroom environments

  • Compliance with City of LA requirements, including:

    • Proof of insurance via KwikComply

    • Live Scan clearance for all teaching staff

    • Timely submission of contracts, invoices, and receipts

Organizations are also expected to amplify their participation via social media and tag @dca_lnk.

📥 Submission Requirements (Due Feb. 6, 2026)

Applicants must submit the following materials via email:

  • Short organizational bio (history, mission, youth experience)

  • Video sample (up to 5 minutes) of youth-focused work

  • Social media and press links

  • Class proposal with session theme and brief curriculum

  • City of Los Angeles Business Tax Registration Certificate

📧 Submit to:
Dale Madison
dca-lankershimtheatre@lacity.org
Subject Line: LNK After School Performing Arts Classes 2026
📞 Questions: (818) 301-6120

🎶 Why This Opportunity Matters

At its core, this program reflects DCA and PERF’s belief that arts education is essential to civic pride, cultural equity, and economic recovery. By empowering arts organizations to lead meaningful youth programming, DCA continues to invest in the next generation of storytellers, performers, designers, and creative leaders—right in the heart of North Hollywood.

For more information about DCA and its citywide cultural initiatives, visit www.culturela.org and follow @culture_la across social platforms.

Report Lela Christine

Next Generation of Creators