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KDA selected by California Arts Council to administer the Individual Artists Fellowship Program for Central Valley & Eastern Sierra Counties

Unrestricted Fellowship Awards - Up to $50,000 - Available to Individual Artists

KDA (Kern Dance Alliance), announced it was selected by the California Arts Council (CAC) to administer a $450,000 Individual Artists Fellowship (IAF) Program for California’s Central Valley and Eastern Sierra region. KDA is one of only eight organizations statewide chosen to steward this highly competitive initiative.

“Artists are essential to the health, identity, and economic vitality of our communities,” said Executive Director of KDA, Andrea Hansen. “Being selected to administer this program allows KDA to directly support the creative workforce across 14 counties, ensuring that artists have the resources they need to thrive and that public investment in the arts reaches every corner of our region.”

This statewide initiative will provide up to $50,000 in unrestricted funding to individual artists and culture bearers at Emerging, Established, and Legacy career stages. The program recognizes artistic excellence, sustained creative practice, and meaningful community impact, while advancing economic opportunity and equitable access to public arts funding across California.

RESTRICTED FUNDING FOR KDA 

After administrative costs are deducted, KDA will oversee the distribution of approximately $360,000 in fellowship awards. None of these funds will be used to support KDA’s existing programs or operations. All funding is restricted to program administration and direct regranting to individual artists. KDA’s role is to ensure a fair and transparent process, expand access across the region, and provide professional development support to fellows throughout the program.

SERVICE REGION 

The KDA Individual Artists Fellowship (KDAIAF) serves artists and culture bearers living, working, and/or serving in the following 14 counties: 

Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare and Tuolumne. 

AWARD AMOUNTS 

● Emerging Artist Fellow: $5,000 

● Established Artist Fellow: $10,000 

● Legacy Artist Fellow: $50,000 

All awards are unrestricted and matching funds are NOT required. 

ELIGIBILITY 

Applicants must: 

● Be 18 years of age or older 

● Be a California-based individual artist or culture bearer 

● Show two consecutive years of California residency 

● Live, work, and/or serve within the 14-county service region 

● Apply as an individual artist (groups, collectives, and fiscal sponsors are not eligible) 

● Submit work samples and one letter of recommendation 

GRANT WRITING EDUCATION + TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WEBINARS

KDA will offer free grant writing education and technical assistance webinars throughout May to support artists at all career stages. Webinars will be held live via Zoom and recorded for later viewing. May 4 @ 12:00 pm – Individual Artists Fellowship Overview / Which Tier Should I Apply For? May 11 @ 12:00 pm – Creating a Strong Individual Artists Fellowship Application May 18 @ 12:00 pm – Individual Artists Fellowship Application Tech Support

TIMELINE 

● Applications Open: May 1, 2026 

● Education Webinars: Mondays on May 4, May 11, May 18 @ 12:00 pm via Zoom 

● Application Deadline: June 12, 2026 (11:59 PM) 

● Fellowship Activity Period: August 1, 2026 – August 1, 2027 

GRANT GUIDELINES

Applicants can learn more about eligibility, fellowship tiers, and application requirements by downloading the KDA Individual Artists Fellowship Grant Program Guidelines at kda-ca.org/IAF. 

INTEREST FORM

Applicants are encouraged to submit an interest form found at kda-ca.org/IAF to stay up to date prior to the application opening on May 1.

APPLY 

Applicants can access the application portal at kda-ca.org/IAF on May 1.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Updates, reminders, and webinar announcements will also be shared on KDA’s social media channels – Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

General Inquiries: hello@kda-ca.org

ABOUT KDA 

KDA (Kern Dance Alliance) is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to using the arts to improve life throughout California’s Central Valleys. Through programs, services, grant making, education, and community partnerships, KDA promotes economic development by supporting artists and communities while fostering inclusive and equitable arts opportunities. From 2023-2025, KDA administered the $4.2 million KDA Creative Corps program, a regional regranting program funded by the California Arts Council that created thousands of jobs in the arts and programs that served the Central Valley and Eastern Sierra. KDA has served over 200,000 people and has raised $6 million for the arts in the region since 2015. 

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Jen Thompson

Vice President | Board Member

Jennifer Thompson is a proud Bakersfield native who fell in love with dance before she even started school. She grew up training under the guidance of renowned local instructor Georgia Peck, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion for movement and expression. Jennifer pursed her academic education with equal enthusiasm, earning both her BA and MA in English from National University. For over 20 years, she has worked as an English teacher with the Kern High School District, where ahe has inspired generations of students with her love of literature and language. Recently, she has decided to begin a new chapter-transitioning from teaching English to teaching dance. She is thrilled to channel her passion into helping build and strengthen the fine arts program, where she can continue to inspire students through the transformative power of the arts. In addition to her work in education, Jennifer has proudly served as a board member with Kern Dance Alliance for the past four years. She loves the opportunity to bring dance to her community, spreading joy and encouraging creative expression in people of all ages. Outside of the classroom and studio, Jennifer has raised two grown children who are now pursuing their own passions-a journey that continues to inspire her both personally and professionally. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, diving into a good book, and-of course-continuing to take dance classes herself.

Marcie Hronis

President | Board Member

Marcie Hronis is a distinguished author, dedicated arts advocate, accomplished business proprietor, and renowned interview specialist who resides in the vibrant community of Bakersfield, California.

With a dance career spanning nearly two decades, Marcie honed her craft through rigorous classical ballet training under the esteemed Royal Academy of Dance, achieving the pinnacle of her dance education with a distinction in the Advanced II examination. Marcie’s artistic journey included a passion for modern dance, where her formative training was shaped by the profound influences of Lester Horton and Martha Graham.

As the proprietor of Marcie Hronis Communications, she has garnered accolades and recognition as an award-winning interview coach, serving a diverse clientele across the nation.

Marcie is a published author, having penned the highly acclaimed vegan cookbook titled “Believe it or Not” available worldwide on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Wal-Mart.

Furthermore, Marcie has assumed the esteemed position of President of Kern Dance Alliance, stepping into this role in 2023 following the legacy of Andrea Hansen. Her enduring commitment to the organization is exemplified by her role as a founding board member. Additionally, she has played a pivotal role as one of the co-creators of ADAPTIdance: DANCE + DISABILITY, Kern County’s exclusive adaptive dance program in collaboration with the League of Dreams.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Marcie shares her life with her husband, Demetri, and together, they are parents to two children. Both of their children are engaged in pursuits ranging from classical dance, singing, and piano, to the expressive world of painting.