The CEDAR Artist Collective

MOAH:CEDAR is launching a free professional development cohort program for emerging and established artists. The CEDAR Artist Collective is open to artists based in the 5th District of Los Angeles County and Antelope Valley zip codes. The program supports artists in strengthening their creative practice, building professional skills, and engaging in peer-based learning and community dialogue.

Participants meet once a month from 6:00–9:00pm for facilitated sessions including artist talks, themed discussions, and shared meals. Optional coworking sessions provide additional time for studio practice, collaboration, and peer support. Selected participants will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining program expectations and commitment.

MOAH:CEDAR is launching a new free professional development cohort program for emerging and established artist. The CEDAR ARTIST COLLECTIVE is open to all artists based in the 5th District of Los Angeles County and Antelope Valley zip codes. The program is designed to support artists in strengthening their creative practice, building professional skills, and engaging in peer-based learning and community dialogue.

Participants will meet once a month from 6:00–9:00pm for facilitated sessions that include artist talks, themed discussions, and shared meals. Additional optional coworking nights will provide dedicated time for studio work, collaboration, and peer support. Selected participants will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining expectations and commitment to the program.

PROGRAM DETAILS

• CaFÉ application fee: $3.00
• This is a free participation program
• A maximum of 12 artist applicants will be selected for the cohort program
• 4 Monthly cohort meetings: 6:00–9:00pm (dinner provided)

·         Cohort Program Dates:

o    September 17, 2026 | 6:00–9:00pm 

o    October 15, 2026 | 6:00–9:00pm 

o    November 19, 2026  | 6:00–9:00pm 

o    December 10, 2026 |  6:00–9:00pm 

• Three optional coworking sessions will also be offered throughout the program.
  • October 1, 2026 | 2:00–7:00pm
  • November 5, 2026 | 2:00–7:00pm
  • December 3, 2026 |2:00–7:00pm
• Please note applicants may be selected for a follow-up interview
• Participants will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining expectations and commitment
• Certificate of completion will not be issued for participants who do not fulfill attendance requirements, including repeated no-call/no-shows.

PARTICIPANT EXPECTATIONS

Selected participants are expected to:

• Attend monthly in-person sessions (6:00–9:00pm)
• Participate actively in discussions and program activities
• Sign and uphold a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
• Communicate in advance if unable to attend sessions
• Maintain respectful participation within the cohort

PROGRAM THEMES / SCHEDULE

September 17 | Welcome! Discover Your WHY

Guest Speaker: Mike O’Conner (Fine Arts Speaker & Trainer)

Start with purpose. Explore your artistic vision, define your goals, and create a roadmap for your creative and professional journey.

October 15 | Where Creativity Meets Career

Guest Speakers: Nicole Slater (Art Critic Curator & Author) and Casey Kauffman (Digital Artist & Educator)

Turn your art into opportunity. Learn how to give compelling artist talks, build your social media presence, promote your work, and write strong exhibition proposals.

November 19 | Inside the Art World: Understanding Art Spaces

A panel Discussion with Arts Professionals, go behind the scenes with museum, gallery, and art center professionals to learn how these spaces operate, their missions, and how artists can build meaningful relationships with them.

December 10 | BRAVA! Artist Showcase & Celebration

Share your story. Celebrate your journey. Present your work through artist talks, connect with peers, and celebrate your accomplishments with certificate presentations and special acknowledgments.

• Artist Bio
• Artist Statement
• CV / Resume
• Work Samples (5–10 images)
• Responses to application questions

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

1. What have you been working on recently in your artistic practice?
2. What currently excites you most about your work?
3. What challenges have you faced as an artist, and how have you addressed them?
4. Have you participated in any professional development programs before? If yes, please describe.
5. What do you hope to gain from participating in this program?
6. What do you believe is the role of an artist in their community?

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applications will be reviewed based on:

• Artistic Merit
• Consistency of Artistic Practice
• Clarity of Goals and Desired Outcomes
• Capacity for Growth and Learning
• Commitment to Program Participation

SELECTION TIME LINE 

• Call is Open 07/09/26 and closes on 08/26/26 (extended!)
• Applicants will be reviewed 08/10/26-08/26/26
• Artists will be notified by Friday 09/04/26

• Artists 18 years and older
• Open to artists of all disciplines and career stages
• Eligibility is limited to individuals who reside within the 5th District of Los Angeles County, within designated Antelope Valley ZIP codes, or within the following approved ZIP codes:

Northeast Los Angeles / Hollywood

90027, 90028, 90032, 90039, 90041, 90042, 90046, 90065, 90068

Pasadena / Altadena / Foothill Communities

91001, 91006, 91007, 91008, 91010, 91011, 91016, 91020, 91023, 91024, 91030, 91040, 91042, 91046, 91101, 91103, 91104, 91105, 91106, 91107, 91108, 91125, 91126

Glendale / Burbank / La Crescenta

91201, 91202, 91203, 91204, 91205, 91206, 91207, 91208, 91210, 91214, 91501, 91502, 91504, 91505, 91506, 91521, 91522, 91523

Santa Clarita Valley

91321, 91350, 91351, 91354, 91355, 91381, 91384, 91387, 91390

San Fernando Valley

91311, 91326, 91331, 91342, 91352, 91601, 91602, 91604, 91605, 91606, 91607, 91608

San Gabriel Valley

91702, 91706, 91711, 91722, 91724, 91731, 91740, 91741, 91750, 91759, 91767, 91768, 91770, 91773, 91775, 91776, 91780, 91801

Antelope Valley

92301, 92371, 92397, 93203, 93243, 93501, 93505, 93510, 93516, 93523, 93524, 93532, 93534, 93535, 93536, 93543, 93544, 93550, 93551, 93552, 93553, 93560, 93561, 93563, 93591, 93599