The Office of Cultural Affairs for the city of Dallas is accepting applications for its Community Artist Program (CAP) through Aug. 19.

CAP connects ethnic artists and art organizations to host facilities in the Dallas area, for performances, workshops and residencies. The program serves facilities like libraries, senior centers and schools, connecting them to artists and paying the fee.

Indian Cultural Heritage Foundation. Photo: CAP

“We target and work with areas that have less money for programming,” says Cultural Programs Manager Charla Sanderson. “So they can bring people that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to.”

CAP currently has 23 artists and groups on its roster, including an Indian Bharatnatyam dance group, a Mexican folklore dance program and an African drumming ensemble. It hopes to expand that roster by around five to eight artists this year, though that depends on the number of applicants. Artists stay on the roster indefinitely once accepted.

Anita Martinez Ballet Folklorico. Photo: CAP

Sanderson says the program is looking for ethnic artists and art organizations across the spectrum, with a preference for those who have teaching experience, as many of the gigs involving leading workshops and instructing.

In particular, Sanders says, this year the program hopes to receive applications for visual artists, such as painters and mural artists, and artists of Asian descent.

If you want a CAP artist at your facility, make your request at least four weeks in advance of the date.