HomeMy WebLinkAboutSage Creek High School Dance Department; 2026-07-09; PSALCA-26059CA1
PSALCA-26059CA
FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 GRANT AGREEMENT FOR
SAGE CREEK HIGH SCHOOL DANCE DEPARTMENT
This agreement is made on the ________ day of ____________, 2026, by Sage Creek High School Dance
Department, hereinafter referred to as “Grantee,” and the CITY OF CARLSBAD, California, a municipal
corporation, hereinafter referred to as “City” (the “Agreement”). City, as Grantor, agrees to provide
Grantee the Grant funds awarded to Grantee during the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Community Arts Grants
Program Educational Institutions or Affiliated Groups in an amount not to exceed Three thousand five
hundred dollars ($3,500) (“Grant”). The purpose of the Grant is to provide funds to Grantee for the Project
outlined in the Agreement Scope (“Agreement Scope”), attached hereto as Exhibit “A.”
Project Title: Creative Modern Dance: Empowering Student Voice Through Contemporary Technique and
Partnering
The Grant provided herein is comprised of public funds. Therefore, to ensure that the public funds are
used for a public purpose, in accordance with the law, the City and Grantee hereby agree to the following
terms.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF GRANT
1. TERM.
The term of this Agreement shall mean the period commencing on the execution date of this Agreement
and expiring on Oct. 1, 2027. The term of this Agreement may be extended by mutual written agreement
of the parties. The parties will prepare a written amendment indicating the effective date and length of
extended Agreement.
2. CITY CULTURAL ARTS CONTACTS.
Cultural Arts Program Manager Krystal Roa, 442-339-5611, Krystal.Roa@carlsbadca.gov
Cultural Arts main line, 442-339-2090, Arts@carlsbadca.gov
3. USE OF COMMUNITY ARTS GRANTS PROCEEDS.
3.1. Grant funds are to be disbursed as outlined in this Agreement in consideration of and on
condition that the sum be expended in carrying out the purpose as set forth in the Agreement
Scope and under the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. Grantee agrees to
assume any obligation to furnish any additional funds that may be necessary to complete the
Agreement Scope.
3.2. In accordance with the Agreement Scope and the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Community Arts Grants
Guidelines (Exhibit “A”), all Grant funds are eligible to be used from Sept. 3, 2026 through
Sept. 3, 2027. Any extension of fund use must be requested in writing at least 30 days prior to
the end of the Agreement or sooner to allow time for written amendment and approval in
writing by City. Extension of Fiscal Year 2026-27 Community Arts Grants funds may render that
organization ineligible to apply for or receive additional funds as part of the subsequent Fiscal
Year 2027-28 Community Arts Grants cycle.
3.3. All costs accrued for services and/or supplies prior to the execution of Agreement are not
eligible for funding or reimbursement with Grant proceeds.
3.4. Eligible and ineligible costs include, but are not limited to, items detailed in the Fiscal Year
2026-27 Community Arts Grants Guidelines, in the section titled “Eligible and Ineligible Costs,”
attached hereto as Exhibit “A.”
4. CONDITIONS OF FUNDING AND DISBURSEMENT.
4.1. Definitions. The Parties agree to the following definitions.
4.1.1. “Project” means the work, activities, and deliverables proposed by the Grantee in
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the Community Arts Grant 2026-2027 application and approved by the Arts Commission,
as may be further detailed in the Agreement Scope, attached hereto as Exhibit “A.”
4.2. City shall have no obligation to provide the Grant proceeds or to make any subsequent disbursement of Grant
proceeds, and may seek reimbursement of Grant proceeds, if any of the following requirements are not
fully satisfied:
a. Grantee shall use Grant funds to implement the Agreement Scope, including using the
Grant funds to cover only expenditures for programs and services incurred during the
Agreement Scope dates and under the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
b. Grantee shall certify that the Agreement Scope is within Carlsbad city limits or
that the Grantee’s main address is within Carlsbad city limits, as specified in the
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Community Arts Grants Guidelines.
c. Grantee shall complete all work in accordance with Agreement Scope, as soon as
possible, but in no case later than thirty (30) calendar days after the Agreement Scope
end date or, Oct. 1, 2027, whichever is earlier. Grantee shall notify the City of events or
proposed changes that could affect the Agreement Scope.
d. The Grantee shall be responsible for the performance of the Agreement Scope as set
forth herein, and for the preparation of reports required by this Agreement.
e. Before Grantee makes any material changes to the Agreement Scope, Grantee will inform
City’s Cultural Arts Manager or designee in writing within ten (10) working days of the
decision to implement said change. City may request documentation to support the change,
and Grantee agrees to submit to the City, in writing, the proposal requesting modifications
to the Agreement Scope. Grantee shall make no material changes to the Agreement Scope
unless and until City formally approves the Grantee’s request in writing.
f. The Grantee shall provide complete and timely information to the City regarding Project
activities, in accordance with the Agreement Scope, including notification of all
scheduled activities at least thirty (30) days prior to each event to City’s Cultural Arts
Manager or designee.
g. The Grantee shall also acknowledge the City in all related publications and social media
posts, in both digital and print formats, as applicable.
h. Grantee shall retain all records and supporting documentation, including expenditure
receipts, applicable to the Agreement Scope and this Agreement for a period of three
(3) years, and make all records and supporting documentation readily available, upon
request, for inspection and/or audit by representatives of the City.
5. EVENT/PROGRAM PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES.
Grantee has the option to supply event and/or program information including the date, location, time,
admission, parking and related details for inclusion in Cultural Arts’ communications such as e-newsletter,
emails and website. At its discretion, the Cultural Arts Office will provide support in distributing the
information through the City’s established channels of communication. If Grantee wishes to participate,
Grantee must submit the information to the Cultural Arts Office at least sixty (60) days prior to the event
or program.
Please initial box to opt-in to promotional opportunities
6. PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
Grantee must acknowledge the Cultural Arts Office for its support of the Project in printed, electronic
and/or broadcast promotions. The following acknowledgment along with a City of Carlsbad Cultural Arts
logo must appear on all printed and electronic materials: “This program is funded in part by the City of
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Carlsbad’s Cultural Arts Office.” This logo and guidelines for acknowledgment are available on the
Community Arts Grants webpage or upon request. Grantees who fail to provide public acknowledgment
may be denied future Community Arts Grant funding.
7. RETURN OF GRANT FUNDS. If City determines that Grantee has failed to comply with the terms and conditions of this Agreement
without prior written approval by the City, then, upon demand by the City, Grantee agrees to return to
the City the amount requested by the City, up to and including an amount equivalent to the full Grant
award. Failure of the Grantee to comply with the terms of this Agreement shall not be the cause for return
of Grant funds if, in the judgement of the City, such failure was due to no fault of the Grantee. In such case,
any amount required to settle, at minimum cost, any irrevocable obligations properly incurred by Grantee
shall be eligible to be paid by Grant funds. However, if, due to a local health order, Grantee is unable to
complete all events or requirements of the Scope of Grant, Grantee may be required to return up to the
full amount of the award or a prorated amount based on the percentage of the work completed.
8. REQUIRED REPORTS.
Grantee must provide to City the following reports. Failure to provide the reports may render Grantee
ineligible to receive the full and final payment of the Grant award.
8.1. Submit a Revised Project Form available upon request, as required per the Fiscal Year
2026-27 Community Arts Grants Guidelines, attached hereto as Exhibit “A,” within thirty
(30) days of Grant award notification if project shifted from stated goals in the original
Agreement Scope (Exhibit “A”).
8.2. Submit a Final Report including all required attachments by completing the designated form to
the City (30) calendar days after the Agreement Scope end date or, Oct. 1, 2027, whichever is
earlier through Foundant: Grantlife Manager.
8.3. Noncompliance: Grantees in noncompliance with the above reporting requirements agree to
return some or all the initial Grant payment if requested by the City. Additionally, if Grantee is
found to be in noncompliance, Grantee agrees that for the year immediately following a
determination of noncompliance, Grantee shall be ineligible to receive any new grants from
the City.
9. DISBURSEMENT OF GRANT FUNDS.
The Grant amount to be provided to the grantee under this Agreement may be disbursed as follows:
9.1. First payment of 80 percent of Grant will be disbursed upon approval of Revised Project Form as
applicable, and receipt of fully executed.
9.2. Final payment of 20 percent of Grant will be disbursed upon receipt of Final Report and
approval by Library & Cultural Arts Director or designee.
9.3. Any payment of a Grant amount more than the costs required to complete the Agreement Scope
shall be returned to the City within sixty (60) days of completion of the Agreement Scope or the
Project end date, whichever is earliest.
10. PROJECT CANCELLATION.
10.1. If a Grantee wishes to cancel the Project outlined in the Agreement Scope (Exhibit “A”) at any
time, Grantee shall notify the City in writing within fifteen (15) calendar days of the decision to
cancel and Grantee, at the time it provides the City with notice of cancellation, shall return all
Grant funds to the City.
10.2. In the event an approved Agreement Scope (Exhibit “A”) cannot be completed for any reason,
and if Grant funds were disbursed to Grantee, Grantee agrees to return all Grant funds to the
City forthwith.
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11. PROJECT MODIFICATION OR TERMINATION.
11.1. Grantee may unilaterally rescind this Agreement at any time prior to the commencement of
the Project, or prior to first disbursement of funds. After Project commencement, as outlined in
the Agreement Scope, or disbursement of Grant funds, this Agreement may be rescinded,
modified, or amended only by mutual agreement, in writing, of both the City and Grantee.
11.2. Any changes, whether planned or unanticipated, to funded projects due to a local health order
(including, but not limited to, state or local health orders and social distancing measures) must
be submitted to City at least seven (7) calendar days before implementation of the change.
Proposed modifications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and the City's Cultural Arts
Manager or designee will notify Grantee in writing whether the proposed changes are approved.
Any changes must continue to adhere to the City’s Fiscal Year 2026-27 Community Arts Grants
Guidelines as defined in Exhibit “A.”
12. LOSS OF GRANT.
At the discretion of the City, the following actions may result in a loss of all or in part of any Grant amount
allocated to the Grantee:
12.1. A Grantee fails to enter into a signed Agreement with the City within thirty (30) calendar days
of receipt of the Agreement.
12.2. Activities associated with Grantee occur that do not align with activities described in the
Agreement Scope, including, but not limited to, reduction in services, significant alteration of
Agreement Scope elements, such as performers, artists or attendees, or significant changes in
Grantee’s budget: income, expenses, or line-item designations, included in the Agreement
Scope.
12.3. A Grantee withdraws or terminates the Agreement Scope.
12.4. A Grantee fails to complete the Agreement Scope and/or fails to submit all required
reports and/or documentation before Oct. 1, 2027.
13. COVENANT AGAINST DISCRIMINATION.
Grantee will comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations prohibiting
discrimination and harassment. Grantee agrees that neither it nor its agents shall discriminate against any
clients, prospective clients, employees, prospective employees, contractors, or prospective contractors
on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or familial status or other protected
classification.
14. NOTICES.
14.1. Listed below are the names and addresses of the persons who are authorized to give
written notices and to receive written notices on behalf of City and on behalf of Grantee
under this Agreement.
14.2. Each party will notify the other immediately of any changes of address that would require
any notice or delivery to be directed to another address.
For Grantee: For City:
Sage Creek High School Dance Department City of Carlsbad
Attn: Sarah Eichler Library & Cultural Arts Director Suzanne Smithson
3900 Bobcat Blvd. 1775 Dove Lane
Carlsbad, CA 92010 Carlsbad, CA 92011
Email: sarah.eichler@carlsbadusd.net suzanne.smithson@carlsbadca.gov
15. INDEMNIFICATION.
Grantee hereby agrees to defend (with counsel approved by City), indemnify, and hold free and harmless
the City, its officers, officials, employees and volunteers from and against any and all claims, damages,
losses, costs (including but not limited to attorney's fees) and liabilities of any kind arising directly or
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indirectly out of, or related in any way whatsoever to the provision of Grant proceeds.
16. NO PARTNERSHIP OR JOINT VENTURE.
The relationship between City and Grantee is solely that of Grantor and Grantee. Under no circumstances
shall City and Grantee be deemed to have created a partnership, joint venture, agency, or any other form
of legal association that would impose liability upon one party for any act or failure to act by the other
party.
17. MODIFICATIONS.
This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by written document duly executed by an
authorized representative of both the City and the Grantee.
18. GOVERNING LAW.
This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and be governed by the laws of the State of
California regardless of conflict of laws principles. Venue, in the event of a dispute, shall be in the North
San Diego County Superior Court.
19. SEVERABILITY.
In the event that any provision or clause of this Agreement conflicts with applicable law, such conflict shall
not affect other provisions of this Agreement, which can be given effect without the conflicting provision.
To this end, the provisions of this Agreement are declared to be severable.
20. DRAFTING AMBIGUITIES.
Grantee understands and is aware that it has the right to be advised by counsel with respect to the
negotiations, terms and conditions of this Agreement, and that the decision to seek advice of counsel is
the sole responsibility of Grantee. The Parties negotiated this Agreement with the opportunity to receive
the aid of counsel and, accordingly, intend this Agreement to be construed fairly, according to its terms,
in plain English, without constructive presumptions against the drafting Party.
21. SIGNING AUTHORITY.
The representative for each Party signing on behalf of a corporation, partnership, joint venture or
governmental entity hereby declares that authority has been obtained to sign on behalf of the
corporation, partnership, joint venture, or entity and agrees to hold the other Party or Parties hereto
harmless if it is later determined that such authority does not exist.
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GRANTEE, Sage Creek High School Dance
Department, Carlsbad Unified School District,
a California nonprofit public benefit
CITY OF CARLSBAD,
the state of California
Josh Way, Principal
Dr. Rob Nye, Assistant Superintendent of
If required by City, proper notary acknowledgment of execution by Grantee must be attached. If a
Corporation, Agreement must be signed by one corporate officer from each of the following two groups.
*Group A. **Group B.
Chairman, Secretary,
President, or Assistant Secretary,
Vice-President CFO or Assistant Treasurer
Otherwise, the corporation must attach a resolution certified by the secretary or assistant secretary under
corporate seal empowering the officer(s) signing to bind the corporation.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
For CINDIE K. McMAHON, City Attorney
By: ____________________________
Tim Lyons, Assistant City Attorney
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EXHIBIT “A”
Agreement Scope
The Arts Commission approved the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Community Arts Grants funding plan, which will
be distributed to grantees as passed, approved, and adopted at a regular meeting on June 4, 2026, Arts
Commission Resolution No. 2026-001.
• Fiscal Year 2026-27 Community Arts Grants Guidelines
• Approved Community Arts Grants 2026-27 Application
Sample Community Arts Grant 2026-27 Final Report
• Final Report shall be submitted online through Foundant: Grantlife Manager
The following documents will be provided upon request:
• Community Arts Grants 2026-27 – Project Budget Information
• Community Arts Grants 2026-27 – Revised Project Form
• Community Arts Grants 2026-27 – Revised Project Budget Information
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FISCAL YEAR 2026-27
COMMUNITY ARTS
GRANTS GUIDELINES
WELCOME
The City of Carlsbad Cultural Arts Office serves to encourage, develop and facilitate an enriched environment of artistic,
creative and cultural activity in the City of Carlsbad and the North San Diego County region. The Cultural Arts Office manages
funding programs to provide financial support to organizations, schools and individuals for various projects through a
competitive application and review process. These projects benefit the community through an array of activities for schools,
artists and organizations. The Community Arts Grants program was identified for continued and increasing support by the
Carlsbad City Council through the 2018 Arts & Culture Master Plan.
The City of Carlsbad’s Community Arts Grants program supports quality arts and cultural programming that promotes the representation and participation of diverse groups of individuals, including and not limited to people of differing abilities,
class, generations, ethnicities and races, gender identities, religious or spiritual beliefs, sexual orientations, or veteran status.
Our mission supports the following values:
•Provide inclusive opportunities for arts & culture experiences for Carlsbad students and residents
reducing/eliminating barriers for participation.
•Provide arts education and lifelong learning opportunities for all ages.
•Support local and regional arts organizations as an important component of the economy and quality of life in
Carlsbad and North San Diego County.
•Support arts education in schools and through affiliated organizations.
•Develop and support organizational strength and capacity of Carlsbad arts organizations.
•Encourage new and emerging artists, arts organizations and programs in Carlsbad, CA.
•Celebrate Carlsbad as an exciting, vibrant and creative destination for residents and visitors alike.
•Acknowledge indigenous land and cultural awareness in the Carlsbad community.
FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 OVERVIEW
The updated FY 2026-27 guidelines reflect national grantmaking trends and best practices and support funding for artists and
arts organizations in Carlsbad and surrounding areas. Guidelines were approved by the City of Carlsbad’s Arts Commission on
Feb. 5, 2026.
Total funding available for the FY 2026-27 cycle is $117,128. All final reports are due within 30 days of the completion of the
event or Friday, Oct. 1, 2027 whichever comes first. The first 80% of all funds awarded will be disbursed after agreements are
executed and by Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, grant start date; the final 20% once the final report and budget are submitted and
approved.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Grantees are asked to remain vigilant and informed of health and safety requirements, including mandated protocols as
outlined by state, county, local or other governmental bodies always. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of the
agreement and grant funds.
Important dates for the FY 2026-27 grant cycle application are as follows:
•Applications open: Friday, Feb. 13, 2026
•Applications due: Friday, Mar. 27, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PST
•Arts Commission Funding Plan review & approval: Thursday, May 7, 2026, subject to change
•Funding cycle begins Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026
•All projects must be completed by Friday, Sept. 3, 2027
•Applications can be accessed online.
EXHIBIT "A"
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UPDATES FOR THIS YEAR
•EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND AFFILIATED GROUPS – ARTS IN SCHOOLS: Award funds within the "Educational
Institutions And Affiliated Groups – Arts In Schools" category will receive a fixed amount divided between all accepted
grantees, with a maximum award of $3,500 per grant.
•EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS APPLICATION LIMIT: There is a cap on the number of applications for Educational
Institutions (Arts in Schools) of (3) three grants per school site. For detailed requirements, please refer to the Arts in
Schools Requirements section.
•GRANT ELIGIBILITY: Applicants currently receiving funding from the City of Carlsbad under an active professional
services agreement or grant other than a Community Arts Grant are ineligible to apply for a Community Arts Grant.
ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL APPLICANTS; IMPORTANT: READ CAREFULLY
All applicants, including fiscal agents and school-affiliated groups, must comply with the following:
•Nonprofit Status: Applicants must be recognized as nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations by the Internal Revenue
Service (IRS) or the California State Franchise Tax Board. A complete Statement of Information should be on file with
the California Secretary of State. This statement should be filed within the first 90 (ninety) days of incorporation and
updated in accordance with state law.
•Tax Identification: Applicants must provide their Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) from the IRS.
Information will be checked through GuideStar’s Charity Check.
•PLEASE NOTE: all organizations, including schools, must submit the names and contact information for the authorized
signatories. Applications that do not identify the correct signatories for an organization or school will not be accepted.
•Specific exemptions for Educational Institutions: Educational institutions are exempt from the need for tax-exempt
status under Section 501(c)(3) but are still eligible to apply.
•Partnership Projects: For projects involving partnerships, only one (1) application is allowed. If a school partners with
an arts organization or artist, a signed agreement between the parties is required, with the school as the lead
applicant.
•Must not be currently receiving funding from the City of Carlsbad under an active professional services agreement or
grant other than a Community Arts Grant.
APPLICATION PROCESS
When applying, organizations must ensure the following:
•Proof of nonprofit status: Provide evidence of nonprofit status or details of a fiscal agent.
•Statement of Information: Submit a current California Statement of Information reflecting Active Status, along with a
list of Authorized Signatories, their signing authority, and the type of authority (individual or joint).
GUIDELINE APPENDICES
•Appendix 1 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
•Appendix 2 – Ineligible Organizations and Activities
FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 FUNDING CATEGORIES
Funding is structured by the classification of each organization, then according to available categories. Applicants may only
apply to one category per grant cycle:
•Arts Organizations or Fiscal Agents of Organizations - $7,500 maximum award per grant
•Emerging Arts Organizations - $5,000 maximum award per grant
•Educational Institutions and Affiliated Groups (Arts in Schools) - $3,500 maximum award per grant. Three (3) grants
maximum per school site per year.
EXHIBIT "A"
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ARTS ORGANIZATIONS
•Arts organizations must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations for at least three (3) years as of Jan. 1, 2026.
•Applicants may only submit one (1) application per funding cycle and cannot apply to multiple categories.
•Arts organizations grants - $7,500 maximum award per grant.
•All arts projects require the participation of a professional artist or an outside subject matter expert.
•Arts projects will be defined as programs, activities, and events primarily designed to be arts focused. These projects may
be presented in person, or virtually if any government issued health mandates are in effect.
•Arts project grants awards must be used for specific art project support and cannot be used for general operating support.
EMERGING ARTS ORGANIZATIONS
•Emerging arts organization must be based in Carlsbad, CA.
•These grants are for smaller nonprofit organizations that are relatively new to the nonprofit community.
•Emerging arts organizations - $5,000 maximum award per grant.
•Must have a nonprofit 501(c)(3) status of three (3) years or less.
o If 501(c)(3) status has not yet been attained, please provide proof of acting in alignment with the IRS definition of a
nonprofit: possessing a nonprofit established mission, an advisory committee or a board of directors, and a history of
activities directly related to the purpose of eligibility to attain nonprofit status.
o Additionally, emerging arts organizations aspiring to a nonprofit status must apply through a fiscal agent.
o Fiscal agents will be responsible for receiving awarded funds and dispersing them with a service fee of no more than
10% of the amount awarded to the applicant.
•Projects must take place within Carlsbad, CA city limits and be accessible to the public, and benefit the community of
Carlsbad.
•Projects must be representative of at least one (1) of the following mediums/forms of artistic expression:
o Dance
o Original music composition/lyrics
o Spoken word/poetry
o Visual Arts that utilize sustainable or recycled materials
FISCAL AGENT REQUIREMENTS
o Individuals or organizations in the process of applying for nonprofit status may apply through a fiscal agent.
o Any partnership between an individual, educational institution or organization must include a letter of agreement from
the partnering entities.
o Fiscal agents will be responsible for receiving awarded funds and dispersing them with a service fee of no more than
10% of the amount awarded to the applicant.
o Organizations that act as fiscal agents are still eligible to apply for a Community Arts Grants for their organization.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND AFFILIATED GROUPS – ARTS IN SCHOOLS
•Arts in Schools requests are only available to nonprofit schools or school-affiliated groups in Carlsbad, CA.
•Arts in Schools are defined as programs, activities, and events that are primarily designed to be arts focused.
•Arts in Schools grants - $3,500 maximum award per grant with a maximum of three (3) grants per school site per year.
•Individual schools and entities representing a school (such as foundations, booster organizations etc.) can submit a
maximum of three (3) grant applications from the categories below. See FAQ’s for further information on acceptable
categories:
o Performing arts
o Visual arts
o Nontraditional arts, such as culinary, digital, creative writing, etc.
o STEAM projects with a focus on the arts
o Arts initiatives focused on arts careers and development of arts skills. Can include arts management, non-performance
skills such as design, costuming, stagecraft, career talks or coaching by subject matter experts
o All three (3) submissions cannot be from a single art form within a category. (e.g. three dance projects in performingarts)
•In-school grant projects utilizing teaching artists as part of the grant may not use a full-time hourly or salaried employee(s)
of the respective school district to lead activities, performances, or projects; however, they may utilize teaching artists
employed by other school districts.
o Out-of-school programs utilizing teaching artists as part of the grant may utilize teaching artists that are employed by
any school district.
EXHIBIT "A"
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•All partnerships must include a signed letter of agreement from the partnering entities.
APPLICANT INFORMATION
FY 2026-27 Grant Cycle Schedule
Feb. 13, 2026 Applications Open
Feb. 18, 2026 Applicant Workshop virtual.
Feb. 18 - Feb. 27, 2026 Technical assistance meetings available by appointment
Mar. 27, 2026 Application Deadline: applications must be submitted electronically to City by 11:59 p.m.
Mar. 30 – Apr. 17, 2026 Submitted materials are reviewed and scored by a peer panel consisting of local and regional artists,
arts professionals, and educators
May 7, 2026 Funding plan presented to Arts Commission for review and approval
June 4 – July 3, 2026 Begin email notifications to Grantees of award and City create and route DocuSign agreements for
electronic signatures.
Sept. 3, 2026 Project/activity period opens.
Sept. 3, 2027 Project/activity period closes.
Oct. 1, 2027 All FY 2026-27 Final Reports are due. Grantees complete a Final Report within thirty (30) days of the
program end date or by Oct. 1, 2027, whichever comes first.
APPLICANT WORKSHOPS AND ONE-ON-ONE APPOINTMENTS
Application information and links, including online tutorials, will be available on the Community Arts Grants application portal. The
following resources will be available for applicants in the fiscal year 2026-27 cycle:
•The Applicant Workshop will include a general overview of the grant process, application and procedures.
New applicants are required to attend.
•Technical Assistance Meetings – Applicants may schedule a 30-minute appointment with grant program staff to answer
questions about the process, application or other topics. These appointments will be dependent on staff capacity and
availability. Applicants are required to attend the Applicant Workshop prior to the appointment. To schedule a one-on-one
appointment, please contact Program Manager Krystal Roa:
o Email: krystal.roa@carlsbadca.gov
o (442) 339-5611 (office) | (442) 245-0502 (mobile)
•Please note that staff will review applications for effective and impactful delivery of information and ensure completeness
and clarity of the information supplied. Staff will not provide feedback on content, programming, or other project details.
PANEL REVIEW AND SCORING OF APPLICATIONS
Submitted applications are reviewed and scored by a virtual peer panel of local and regional artists, arts professionals, and
educators. The panelists’ scoring will inform a funding plan for review and final approval by the Carlsbad Arts Commission.
SCORING RUBRIC FOR ALL CATEGORIES (EXCEPT EMERGING ARTISTS)
Application scores will be based on the following criteria aligned with the Community Arts Grants mission. Panelists will be asked to
undertake the following scoring recommendations and directives:
•Panelists will score applications on how closely the project(s) achieve the goals of the respective grant category.
•Panelists may be asked to convene to discuss the application’s merits.
•Award amounts are determined via a formula that takes into consideration the total amount of available funds, the average
scores of the applicants, and an assigned percentage based on those scores.
The scoring of applications will be based on the following criteria, with a maximum score of 50 points. The examples provided are for
informational purposes only and are not meant to be exhaustive:
•Quality of Program(s) (10 points)
o Reinforce accessible artistic and cultural opportunities and experiences for Carlsbad residents.
o Provide arts education and lifelong learning opportunities for all ages.
•Community Impact (30 points)
o Celebrate and promote Carlsbad as an exciting, vibrant, and creative destination for our community, students, as well
as visitors and tourists throughout the world.
o Support local and regional arts and cultural organizations as an important component of the economy and quality of
life in Carlsbad and North San Diego County.
o Accessibility of program for participants and audience members, including economic limitations under the Americans
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with Disabilities Act.
•Encouragement of programs that promote the representation and participation of diverse groups of individuals, including
and not limited to people of differing abilities, class, generations, ethnicities and races, gender identities, religious or
spiritual beliefs, sexual orientations and veteran status.
•Organizational Capacity (10 points)
o Provide evidence of organizational strength and capacity to support the scope of the project/activity.
OTHER REVIEW AND SCORING INFORMATION
•Cultural Arts Office staff will review applications after the deadline.
•Applications deemed eligible will be forwarded to scoring panelists and reviewed within the context of the project or
program as outlined in the application.
•Incomplete applications, or applications with incorrect information, will be deemed ineligible.
AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTEES
Upon approval of your application:
•Legal Agreement with the City of Carlsbad: To proceed with your project, you must first enter into a legal agreement with
the City of Carlsbad. City will route the agreement using DocuSign to obtain secure electronic signatures, and the
commencement of your project is contingent upon the execution of this agreement.
•Non-Profit Corporation Signing Authorities: All agreements MUST be signed by two officers listed on the Statement of
Information filed with the California Secretary of State for your organization (or as listed on the most recent board roster).
These officers should be those who are authorized to enter into legally binding agreements on behalf of your organization,
such as CEO, CFO, Treasurer, Secretary.
One corporate officer from each of the following groups must sign the agreement:
Group A Group B
or
or
Otherwise, the corporation must attach a resolution certified by the secretary or assistant secretary under corporate seal
empowering the officer(s) signing to bind the corporation.
You can verify your status with the California Secretary of State and see the officers listed on the Statement of Information at this
website: Search | California Secretary of State. Further documentation of signature authorization will be requested if the most
recent Statement of Information has not been filed.
Specific Entity Requirements:
o Fiscal Agents: The agreement must be signed by two officers from the fiscal agent’s organization, as per organization’s
Statement of Information.
o Educational Institutions: A Signature Delegation Form must be completed by the school principal and a district
representative (e.g., Assistant Superintendent).
o School-Affiliated Groups (i.e., school booster groups): Follow the same signature requirements as nonprofit
organizations.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Applicants who have been granted funding in previous cycles must meet all requirements from those past
agreements before they are eligible to receive a new agreement for the FY 2026-27 cycle.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Grant recipients are required to maintain three (3) years of accounts, records and evidence pertaining to costs incurred and
revenues acquired under the respective grant program. Grantees should be able to provide upon request:
•Accurate, current and complete disclosure of revenue and expenses for the project.
•Records that adequately identify the sources and application of funds for grant sponsored activities.
•Accounting records supported by source documentation – invoices, receipts, bank statements, etc.
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•All awardees must provide documents within thirty (30) days of receipt of request. This includes but is not limited to
agreements, revised project forms, final reports, and financial accounting.
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PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
•Grant recipients must acknowledge the Cultural Arts Office for its support of the project in printed, electronic and/or
broadcast promotions.
•The following acknowledgment along with a City of Carlsbad Cultural Arts logo must appear on all printed and electronic
materials: “This program is funded in part by the City of Carlsbad’s Cultural Arts Office.” This logo and guidelines for
acknowledgment are available on the Community Arts Grants webpage or upon request.
•Grantees who fail to provide public acknowledgment may be denied future project funding.
PROMOTION BY CITY
•Grantees are required to keep the Cultural Arts Office informed of all program dates and times.
•If the grantee wishes to participate in promotion through approved city channels, they may opt-in as part of the agreement.
All participation in promotion through the city’s social media channels and other outlets, is subject to staff review, editing
and approval prior to promotion.
•Grantees are encouraged and expected to:
o Give notifications and invitations to the Cultural Arts Office staff that will be extended to the Carlsbad Arts Commission
at least two (2) weeks in advance of program.
o Extensively promote funded events and projects with appropriate verbiage as indicated in “Public Acknowledgement”
stipulated above.
FINAL REPORTS, SITE VISITS AND PROGRAM ATTENDANCE
The Cultural Arts staff may monitor grant projects during the grant cycle, including potential site visits. The reports of these visits will
be included in grant application files and may provide a basis for evaluation of future requests.
Grantees will have an option to replace digitally submitted final reports with in-person site visits and/or interviews. Pending any
health and safety mandates and protocols as outlined by state, county, local or other governmental bodies, these site visits/
interviews may be conducted by Cultural Arts staff and/or Arts Commissioner(s), as available, and appropriate to each grant.
Grantees may still opt to submit on-line final reports in consultation with staff. In all cases, grantees will still be required to submit
final budget forms digitally for staff review and approval.
All final reports are due within thirty (30) days of the completion of the event or Friday, Oct. 1, 2027, whichever comes first, to
receive the final award payment. Excessively late submission of a final report may result in action taken per contract.
ASSISTANCE
Cultural Arts Office staff are always available to assist applicants. Please contact Cultural Arts office at 442-339-2090
or email arts@carlsbadca.gov.
POLICIES
•Once submitted, applications may be moved into a different category at the discretion of Cultural Arts staff. Notification will
be made to the applicant.
•The City of Carlsbad reserves the right to limit funding amounts to any applicant, regardless of eligibility or panel score,
based on fiscal year limitations.
•Cultural Arts Office staff actively review and evaluate all aspects of the funding program and process. Updates may occur
throughout the funding calendar. Cultural Arts staff will provide information on program updates, to all grantees when they
are implemented.
•Any significant changes or amendments by the grantee to approved projects must be submitted in writing to the Cultural
Arts Office by the grantee before any grant funds are used, and before the execution of any altered activity. This includes,
but is not limited to, changes in purpose, scope, services, target audiences, intended timeline, personnel, location, date,
activities, or budget. This requirement will be included in the agreement.
•The Cultural Arts Office reserves the right to review, cancel or reallocate project funds significantly altered or shifted from
stated goals in the original approved application and/or revised project form. Canceled funds must be returned to the
Cultural Arts Office within thirty (30) days of written notification.
•No two (2) entities (organization or school/affiliated groups) may apply for funding for the same project.
•Applicants may only apply to one (1) category per funding cycle.
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OTHER INFORMATION
Carlsbad Arts Commission Meetings:
Carlsbad Arts Commission meetings are public, and information is available on the city website. A meeting is scheduled for
Thursday, May 7, 2026, to approve the FY 2026-27 Community Arts Grants Funding Plan. For more information about the duties of
the Carlsbad Arts Commission and its meetings, visit the Arts Commission webpage.
HOW TO APPLY
Application
All applications must be submitted online. The application is comprised of approximately five (5) main sections, some of which
include long answer sections and attachments. The application is available at the Community Arts Grants webpage.
•Organization Information: An updated Statement of Information and approved signatories must be submitted for
applications to be accepted.
•Project Information and Narrative
•Project Support Information
•Budget: A budget form and sample can be found at the Community Arts Grants webpage.
•Signatory Information as described in the section titled “Agreement Requirements for Grantees.”
APPENDIX 1: COMMUNITY ARTS GRANTS FAQ’S
Are there any organizations that are ineligible to receive Community Arts Grant funding?
Yes. For-profit organizations are ineligible to receive funding through the Community Arts Grants program. This includes for-profit
schools and businesses.
Can I apply to more than one category?
No. Unlike previous grant cycles, artists and organizations may only apply to one (1) category per fiscal year grant cycle.
What projects are eligible for the Emerging Arts Organization category?
Projects must be representative of at least one (1) of the following mediums/forms of artistic expression:
o Dance
o Original music composition/lyrics
o Spoken word/poetry
o Visual Arts using sustainable or recycled materials
o Ethnic or indigenous art forms
o Digital art forms such as film, animation, etc.
What arts organizations qualify to apply in the Emerging Arts Organization category?
•Arts Organization must be based in Carlsbad, CA.
•Must have a nonprofit 501(c)(3) status of three (3) years or less:
•If 501(c)(3) status has not yet been attained, please provide proof of acting in alignment with the IRS definition of a
nonprofit; possessing a nonprofit established mission, an advisory committee or a board of directors, and a history of
activities directly related to the purpose of eligibility to attain a nonprofit status.
•Additionally, emerging arts organizations aspiring to a nonprofit status must apply through a fiscal agent.
Is attendance required for the workshops and information sessions?
Applicant workshop attendance or technical assistance meeting is required for all new applicants, applicants who were denied the
last cycle, and those applying in the Emerging Arts Organization category. Workshop attendance or technical assistance meetings by
returning awardees are highly recommended as an opportunity for staff to guide and assist applicants in the FY 2026-27 Community
Arts Grants application process.
How are final awards decided?
All award amount decisions consider the total amount of funding available, scores from panelists, and the request from the applying
entity. After panelists score, Cultural Arts staff will create a funding plan based on these factors, which is forwarded to the Arts Commission for final approval.
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Can one school site apply for multiple educational institutions (or Arts in Schools) grants?
Yes. Individual schools and entities representing a school (such as foundations, booster organizations etc.) can submit a maximum of
three (3) grant applications per educational institution amongst the list below; all three (3) submissions cannot be from a single
medium.
Examples of acceptable mediums:
•Performing arts
•Visual arts
•Nontraditional arts, such as culinary, digital, creative writing, etc.
•STEAM projects with a focus on the arts
•Arts initiatives focused on arts careers and development of arts skills. Can include arts management, non-performance skills
such as design, costuming, stagecraft, career talks or coaching by subject matter experts
•All three (3) submissions cannot be from a single art form within a category. (e.g. three dance projects in performing arts)
APPENDIX 2: INELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS AND ACTIVITIES
The City of Carlsbad will NOT award Community Arts Grants to:
•For-profit organizations, schools, and businesses.
•Organizations and/or affiliates that are directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on
behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.
•Governmental agencies or public authorities.
•Applicants that have a “delinquent” status with the Community Arts Grants funding programs.
•Retroactive funding for completed activities.
•Religious and/or sectarian programming or any programming and/or services solely for the promotion of or consumption by
a specific religious order and/or sect.
•Cash reserves or endowments of any kind. Awards are to be expended within the designated funding period.
•Capital expenditures, including construction, renovation, or purchase of real property.
•Applications that do not support nonprofit, public art activities or projects that benefit a for-profit business or activity.
•Projects through a fiscal sponsor that benefit the sponsoring organization or are an extension of the sponsoring
organization’s programs or services.
•Support groups and/or nonprofit organizations supporting city departments or facilities.
•General operating costs, including costs associated with the start-up of a new organization.
•Applications to reduce existing deficits.
•Applicants currently receiving funding from the City of Carlsbad under an active professional services agreement or grant
other than a Community Arts Grant.
Funding may NOT be used for:
•Fundraising expenses.
•Consultants who are members of an applicant’s staff or board.
•Political campaigns or lobbying activities.
•Payments to students.
•Endowments or endowment campaigns.
•Scholarships, fellowships or tuition assistance.
•Costs incurred before the start of the funded project or outside the funding period.
•Project or activities outside the City of Carlsbad limits.
•Entry fees for competitions or sponsorship fees.
•Pageants, fund-raising events, or hospitality costs.
•Private foundations or other re-granting organizations.
•Religious or doctrinal purposes, although faith-based organizations may apply for program support.
•Publication of manuscripts or compositions not created as part of a grant-supported project.
•Purchase of monetary awards, cash prizes, contributions, or donations.
•Professional development for staff and board members.
•Scholarly or academic research, tuition and activities which generate academic credit or formal study toward an academic
or professional degree.
•Creation of textbooks.
•Ongoing, recurring administrative expenses.
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Sarah Eichler Sage Creek High School Dance Department
Printed On: 16 June 2026
Fiscal Year 2026-27: Educational Institutions or
Affiliated Groups 1
Creative Modern Dance: Empowering Student Voice
Through Contemporary Technique and Partnering
Fiscal Year 2026-27: Educational Institutions
or Affiliated Groups
Sage Creek High School Dance Department
Sarah Eichler
3900 Bobcat Blvd.
Carlsbad, CA 92010
sarah.eichler@carlsbadusd.net
O: 760-331-6705
Sarah Eichler
3900 Bobcat Blvd
Carlsbad, CA 92011
sarah.eichler@carlsbadusd.net
O: 858-254-9337
Docusign Envelope ID: 91600E1E-9846-8DAC-8099-EB06565D3992
Sarah Eichler Sage Creek High School Dance Department
Printed On: 16 June 2026
Fiscal Year 2026-27: Educational Institutions or
Affiliated Groups 2
Application Form
Application Verification
Application Type Verification:*
This application is for Educational Institutions or Affiliated Groups applying for an Arts Project category. If
you are looking for other funding opportunities, please click on the "Apply" button in the blue bar on the top
of this screen.
Applicants may only submit one application per category per funding cycle.
I am applying to the Educational Institutions or Affiliated Groups category
Guidelines & Eligibility Review Confirmation:*
Please be sure to review the Community Arts Grants Guidelines and eligibility requirements prior to submitting a
grant application. A summary of the eligibility requirements is also provided on the application homepage.
I have reviewed the Community Arts Grants Guidelines and eligibility requirements
All applicants that wish to collaborate with others to complete this grant application click "Collaborator'
button on the top right section of this page.
Collaborator feature
Video Tutorial (2 minutes long)
*If applicable, please note that some data from the applying organization's GuideStar profile may be pre-
populated (copied) into the corresponding GuideStar questions on this application form. You may do so by clicking
on the "Copy GuideStar" profile button on the top right section of this page (next to the "Collaborator" button) and
selecting what you would like to pre-populate. Note that you will have the ability to edit your pre-populated
information.
Organization Information
Past Funding*
Has your organization received funding from the City of Carlsbad's Community Arts Grants program in the past?
Yes
City Funding*
Is your organization currently receiving another grant from the City or under a Professional Services Agreement?
No
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Sarah Eichler Sage Creek High School Dance Department
Printed On: 16 June 2026
Fiscal Year 2026-27: Educational Institutions or
Affiliated Groups 3
Educational Institution or Affiliated Group Name (i.e. Carlsbad Elementary,
Carlsbad Booster Club):*
Sage Creek High School Dance Department
Organization website URL:*
https://schsdance.weebly.com/
Organization Mission Statement:
Please provide your organization's mission statement. If you have a GuideStar profile, you may copy and paste
your organization's GuideStar mission statement or provide another version here.
Sage Creek Dance is committed to helping students grow as dancers and individuals by providing
personalized learning, a nurturing environment, and creative choice.
We challenge our students to think creatively, create works of art, and be well-rounded. Our non-competitive,
inclusive program serves all ability levels; our mission is to teach anyone who wants to dance.
Students gain appreciation for the artistry of dance through observation, creation, and performance;
understand how the body functions as an anatomical and expressive vehicle; and respect every classmate and
teacher for their unique contributions.
Is your organization a designated 501(c)3 by the IRS?*
No
Signature Delegation Information
Letter of Support from Principal (MANDATORY):*
Attach a letter of support from your current school Principal. The same letter can be utilized for multiple
grantees under the same principal, but it must clearly state the name of each grantee(s).
letter of Support_PrincipalLetter.docx.pdf
For approved applicants without a 501(c)3 affiliated group, the City of Carlsbad requires two (2) signatures from
the Signature Delegation Form for school grant agreements. This form will be emailed to the school district
Assistant Superintendent (or comparable role) and the school site administrator (i.e. Principal or Vice Principal.)
The City of Carlsbad will use DocuSign for all grant agreements. This DocuSign agreement will be emailed for
signatures to the authorized signature representatives listed above once the City of Carlsbad's Arts Commission
approves the funding plan and funding is approved for a school.
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Sarah Eichler Sage Creek High School Dance Department
Printed On: 16 June 2026
Fiscal Year 2026-27: Educational Institutions or
Affiliated Groups 4
Name of School Principal for the 2026-2027 School Year:
Josh Way
Email of School Principal for the 2026-2027 School Year:
josh.way@carlsbadusd.net
Past Funding Report Requirements
Current Grantee Requirements:*
If you are a returning grantee from the previous grant cycle, please confirm that you understand that a final report
and final budget for your organization must be submitted prior to entering a new grant agreement with the City of
Carlsbad. A final report and final budget must be submitted (30) calendar days after the project end date.
Alternatively, if you cannot meet this requirement, we will accept a project status update via email explaining the
status of your project, estimated project end date and any other project details you would like to share with us.
I understand that should my organization receive funding for this grant cycle, my organization will fulfill all
reporting requirements from the previous cycle prior to my organization entering a new agreement with the City
of Carlsbad.
Yes
Project Information and Narrative
Project Information and Narrative
•Arts in Schools will be defined as programs, activities and events that are primarily designed to be arts
focused
•Arts in Schools grant awards maximum is $3,500. Funds will be equally disbursed across all accepted
applicants in the Education Category.
•All arts projects/activities require the participation of an artist or subject matter expert in addition to lead
teacher.
•Funding opportunity for one (1) year grant only.
•Individual schools and entities representing a school (such as foundations, booster organizations, etc.) can
submit a maximum of three (3) grant applications in these categories (See Guidelines FAQ's for more
information on accepted categories):
o Performing Arts
o Visual Arts
o Nontraditional Arts, such as culinary, digital, creative writing, etc.
o STEAM projects with a focus on the arts
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Sarah Eichler Sage Creek High School Dance Department
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Fiscal Year 2026-27: Educational Institutions or
Affiliated Groups 5
o Arts initiatives focused on arts careers and development of arts skills. Can include arts
management, non-performance skills such as design, costuming, stagecraft, career talks or
coaching by subject matter experts
•All three (3) submissions cannot be from a single art form within a category. (e.g. three dance projects in
performing arts)
Project Name:*
Please provide us with the name of the arts project.
Creative Modern Dance: Empowering Student Voice Through Contemporary Technique and Partnering
Project Summary:*
Please provide us with a brief summary of your project. Provide no more than 1-2 sentences. If approved, this
section will be shared with the public.
Led by guest artist Cecily Holcombe from San Diego Dance Theater, this project provides SCHS dancers with
specialized training in modern floor work and partnering through a process where students act as
collaborators in the choreographic process.
Project Start Date:*
Please note that the project start date must be on or after September 3, 2026.
12/01/2026
Project End Date:*
Please note that the project end date must be on or before September 3, 2027.
06/01/2027
Project Details:*
This section will be utilized for evaluation. Please expand on the details of your project by providing the specific
event / activity details, partnerships, anticipated learned skills, etc.
The residency will take place over 10-14 weeks, one class per week, in the Winter and Spring trimesters.
Winter Focus: (Dance 1, 2 and 3) Introducing students to the athletic demands of modern floor work and the
mechanics of weight-sharing. This period is designed to build the foundational physical strength, kinetic
awareness, and interpersonal trust required for safe, higher-level partnering skills.
Spring Focus: (Dance 2, 3, and 4). Sessions will emphasize technical refinement and the launch of our
collaborative choreographic process. In this stage, students work as co-creators with Cecily Holcombe,
contributing original movement to the work. The residency concludes by finalizing these pieces for public
performance at the annual Spring Dance Concert and community events like ArtFest, showcasing a true
synthesis of student voice and contemporary technique.
The project will culminate in a performance in our Spring Dance Show and ArtFest for Dance 2, 3, and 4.
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Sarah Eichler Sage Creek High School Dance Department
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Fiscal Year 2026-27: Educational Institutions or
Affiliated Groups 6
Participants:*
Total number of expected participants for this project (i.e. artists, coordinators, directors, students.)
75
Audience:*
Total number of expected audience attendance for this project.
600
Previous Project Success:
If your organization has completed a similar project, please provide details of the project and why it was
successful.
Sage Creek Dance has been lucky to have a CAG Artist in Residency Program for several years. This year, we
have ballet dancer Steffi Carter from Ballet Collective teaching our Dance 1, 2, 3, and 4 class Progressive Ballet
Technique (similar to pilates + dance), Ballet technique, and a ballet dance for our Spring Show and ArtFest.
Many students in our program have little to no outside dance training; in this program, students are learning
and entirely new discipline to most and focusing on the importance of building strength, agility, and
foundational skills in order to successfully accomplish more advanced technique. (2025 project overview in
attached slide deck).
In years past, we have had guest artists from numerous dance companies around San Diego teaching modern,
jazz, salsa, and more. Beyond technical abilities and choreography, students are able to broaden their abilities
by learning from other experts in specific disciplines and are exposed to professional dance companies in the
area. Nearly each year, we go to see the choreographer perform professionally, piquing student interest in the
professional dance community and the upcoming programs.
Project Distinction:
What makes this project distinctive?
Cecily Holcombe is a prominent modern dance teacher and choreographer in San Diego. She often
collaborates with San Diego Dance Place companies Malashock Dance and San Diego Dance Theater. The
focus of her teaching is on modern technique and floor work, also incorporating some partnering work such
as weight-sharing and cantilevering. She has trained extensively in a variety of codified modern techniques
and is interested in collaborating with students in what their goals are for the program in her lesson design.
Even for students who take outside dance, Modern has been essentially replaced with contemporary dance at
local studios. This class will allow students of all levels to learn one of the founding dance styles. Modern
dance is also often considered a more accessible style of dance, because it focuses on pedestrian, natural
movements and how to derive meaning from the natural flow of the body. Especially after this year of
learning ballet, it will be beneficial for the students to learn an opposite approach to movement.
In creating her pieces, she approaches her work from a student-centered approach: rather than bringing in
choreography, she creates it with students in the moment, inviting student voice to participate in and witness
the creative process. This approach to dance as dialogue rather than lecture results in interesting works that
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Sarah Eichler Sage Creek High School Dance Department
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Fiscal Year 2026-27: Educational Institutions or
Affiliated Groups 7
students are highly invested in because it is tailored to the specific group of dancers' strengths, interests, and
identities.
Project Goals:
What are the goals (outputs and/or outcomes) of the project? How will you measure your goals?
This project is designed to provide SCHS dance students with training in modern dance technique, partnering,
and floor work led by guest artist Cecily Holcombe. Unlike traditionally set choreography, this residency
focuses on a collaborative choreographic process, inviting student voices to help shape the movement in the
moment. This ensures the work is authentically "for students, by students," while building the strength and
agility required for professional-level floor work and partnering.
Specifically, one goal of the program is the technical focus: to develop proficiency in modern dance, including
floorwork and "floor-to-standing" transitions, "engaging and releasing" techniques, and safe partnering
techniques. These skills will also transfer into other disciplines.
Another goal is more creative: to engage students in the choreographic process, allowing them to contribute
original movement to the final performance piece. This creates buy-in and teaches students the creative
process before their final project, an individual student-choreography project.
These goals will be measured by: pre- and post-program video assessments of technical skills in which
students notice their own progress by comparing videos and setting future goals. This will coincide with
student reflections on their role in the creative process in their journals. We will also measure success
through student testimony of confidence in their skills and choreography projects.
Project Partnerships:
If applicable, please provide names and brief descriptions of roles for any partners in this project. This would
include any organizations, artists or individuals involved in your project that are not employed or affiliated with the
applying organization.
If supporting multiple organizations such as a district project, please list all organizations/programs involved.
Cecily Holcombe will be the lead guest artist and choreographer for this project. She currently dances with
and teaches for San Diego Dance Theater, and she choreographs for them as well as independently for other
companies such as Malashock Dance and San Diego Dance Theater.
www.cecilyholcombe.com
Partner Resumes:
If applicable, you may upload any resumes of teaching artists, artists, or any other partners in the proposed project
here. Please consolidate into one PDF if possible.
Contact the Cultural Arts department at arts@carlsbadca.gov should you need assistance.
Cecily Holcombe dance CV-compressed.pdf
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Sarah Eichler Sage Creek High School Dance Department
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Fiscal Year 2026-27: Educational Institutions or
Affiliated Groups 8
Project Support Information
You may upload support information in this section.
Contact the Cultural Arts office arts@carlsbadca.gov should you need assistance.
Materials Upload (OPTIONAL, but recommended):
Please upload any marketing materials, images, and/or files that would provide more information about your
project.
Videos Upload (OPTIONAL):
Please provide us with a host website link for all videos relevant to the project.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1XSVU1coEdBtquB4CX3zMwLZTNUKPPjqwFP99w_JgJ9o/view?slid
e=id.g37b331f0966_0_145#slide=id.g37b331f0966_0_145
Videos Upload (OPTIONAL)
If you do not have a URL that hosts your video, you may upload it here.
Additional Materials:
You may upload any other additional supplemental materials you wish to provide here (i.e. letter of agreement
between artist and school/affiliated group.)
Sage Creek letter of intent 2026.pdf
Application Submission
Application Submission:
Note: Once you submit your application, you cannot edit the form. Please review your answers before
submitting.
After you submit this application, you will receive an email for the submission confirmation.
Application Certification:*
I certify that the information contained in this application, including all attachments and support materials, is true
and correct to the best of my knowledge.
Yes
Date of Application Submission:*
03/26/2026
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Sarah Eichler Sage Creek High School Dance Department
Printed On: 16 June 2026
Fiscal Year 2026-27: Educational Institutions or
Affiliated Groups 10
File Attachment Summary
Applicant File Uploads
• letter of Support_PrincipalLetter.docx.pdf
• Cecily Holcombe dance CV-compressed.pdf
• Sage Creek letter of intent 2026.pdf
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Sage Creek High School
The Sage Creek Team* exists to intentionally create an interconnected learning community
that prepares students to thrive as responsible citizens in an ever-changing world.
Together, we…..Build Empower Show Spirit Trailblaze
March 18, 2026
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for Sage Creek High School's Dance
application for the Carlsbad City Cultural Arts Grant. The vision of our dance program
aligns perfectly with our school-wide vision to create an exceptional learning experience
for our Sage Creek Community.
We fully support their efforts to create an Artist in Residence Program with Cecily
Hocombe, an active and integral member of the San Diego Dance community. The
program will teach students new skills to enhance and advance their technical training.
Thank you for considering our application. We remain dedicated to fostering an inclusive
school culture that supports and fosters arts education at Sage Creek High School.
Respectfully,
Josh Way, Ed.D
Principal
Sage Creek High School
3900 Bobcat Blvd • Carlsbad, CA • 92010
TEL. 760.331.6600 • FAX 760.730.9698
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Cecily Holcombe
Professional dance artist + choreographer focused on
interdisciplinary collaboration, process, and performance in
modern and contemporary dance
cecily.holcombe@gmail.com
619-675-5293
https://www.cecilyholcombe.com/
Choreographer/ Collaborator
● Commissioned by San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts to create work for
Spring Showcase in May 2026
● Recipient of Malashock Dance’s Germinate Residency in December 2025; mentoring support
and allocation of 40 hours of rehearsal space for process, discovery, and development
● Commissioned by San Diego Dance Theater through the Conrad Prebys’ Healing Through
the Arts Initiative; premiered Nostalgia, level 4 in November 2025 at the Light Box Theater
● Co-produced Woven Dances at ODC Theater in San Francisco with Diana Lara and presented
the folk dances of monsters and An Untitled duet For My Dad in June 2025; recipient of the
ODC Theater Rental Discount Initiative
● Alternate for Small Plates Choreography Festival in Austin, TX; summer 2025
● Commissioned by Malashock Dance Company for SEED; premiered Let’s Pretend This Is Easy
in April 2025
● Co-produced SHIFT with 2 other local choreographers; premiered An untitled duet for my
dad in collaboration with live guitarist; presented repertory The Underneath, August 2024
● Presented the folk dances of monsters for San Diego Dance Theater’s annual Live Arts Festival,
July 2024
● Recipient of DISCO RIOT’s SPACE Pro Residency, February 2024 - April 2024; premiered the
folk dances of monsters at La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art in April 2024
● Commissioned by San Diego Dance Theater company for spring repertory concert, Becoming
Always; premiered The Underneath March 2023
● Presented work for Khamla Somphanh’s Coalesce, a concert in the round; re-set repertory
Holding Pattern, November 2022
● Commissioned by San Diego Dance Theater for Live Arts Festival; collaborated with live
guitarist for the score and premiered Holding Pattern June 2022
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Choreographic Repertory
● Queen of Wands (2026), 6 minute sextet, Malashock Jr. Dance Company
● Nostalgia, level 4 (2025), 12 minute quartet, San Diego Dance Theater
● Let’s Pretend This Is Easy (2025), 10 minute duet, Malashock Dance Company
● An Untitled Duet for My Dad (2024), 6 minute duet with live guitarist, independent
● the folk dance of monsters (2024), 30 minute quintet with visual artist, animation artist, and
spoken word artist, independent
● The Underneath (2023), 12 minute quartet, San Diego Dance Theater
● Holding Pattern (2022), 10 minute quintet with live guitarist, San Diego Dance Theater
Dance Artist, San Diego Dance Theater
Company dancer, 2014-current
● Performance in Tokyo Japan, March 2026
● Live Arts Festival, 2021-current
● Bi-annual company repertory shows, 2014-current
● Annual Trolley Dances, 2014-current
● La Jolla Playhouse’s WoW Festival, 2023
● Costuming assistant
Dance Teacher, San Diego Dance Theater
Modern contemporary teacher, 2024-current
● Teaching weekly class in intermediate level modern contemporary technique
● Choreographing for bi-annual school showcases
● Twice monthly outreach teaching for local memory care residents through Conrad Prebys’
Healing Through the Arts Initiative
Dance Artist, Lavina Rich’s Push Process Movement
Company dancer, 2012-current
● La Jolla Playhouse’s WoW Festival, 2022
● DISCO RIOT’s Queer Mvmnt Fest, 2022
● San Diego Dance Theater’s Live Arts Festival, 2021
Dance Artist, Blythe Barton Dance
Company dancer, 2012-2018
● Numerous company performances
● San Diego Dance Theater’s Live Arts Festival, 2017
2
Docusign Envelope ID: 91600E1E-9846-8DAC-8099-EB06565D3992
March 21, 2026
City of Carlsbad Community Arts Grants
1775 Dove Lane
Carlsbad, CA 92011
Dear Community Arts Review and Scoring Panel:
I would like to confirm my commitment to provide services and support to Carlsbad Unified
School District’s Sage Creek High School for the 2027-2027 school year.
Specifically, I will collaborate with Sage Creek dance program faculty to provide access to
academic enrichment services to 50+ students through the Artist-in-Residence program, which
will provide rigorous technical training in modern dance technique. In addition, I will provide
choreography for the spring performance.
If requested, I will also engage in ongoing assessment of community needs and strengths
through participation in planning and assistance in identification and collection of relevant data.
Thank you for providing this opportunity to collaborate in providing much needed quality school
arts programming.
Please contact me directly with any questions at cecily.holcombe@gmail.com
Sincerely,
Cecily Holcombe
Docusign Envelope ID: 91600E1E-9846-8DAC-8099-EB06565D3992