PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

VibeWell Ventura County is looking to partner with five creative professionals (artists, musicians, writers, content creators, etc.) to create authentic content that showcases the connection between arts participation and mental health, supporting VibeWell's objective to reduce stigma and increase awareness of mental health resources.

Selected artists/creatives will create work that explores the connection between arts, culture, and creativity and mental health, participate in an exhibit or otherwise perform their work, create content for social media, write about how creativity supports their own wellbeing, engage with other artists, and otherwise serve as an ambassador for the project. Selected artists will receive a $5,000 stipend for their work over the course of the project, through June 30, 2026.

VibeWell is a collaborative project, funded through Ventura County Behavioral Health – Mental Health Services Act, and administered by the Arts and Culture unit of the County Executive Office.

ARTIST SELECTION & COMPENSATION:

• Visual Artists & Performing/Literary Artists (i.e. musician, writer/poet)
• $5,000 compensation per artist

REQUIRED DELIVERABLES:

1. Original Creative Work

Create one piece exploring arts and mental health connection with artist statement and high-resolution documentation. Work can include fine art, written, and performance (theatrical, musical, etc.) based work. 

VISUAL ART:

Visual art must be displayed for the entirety of one of the three exhibitions below at the Hall of Administration Atrium Gallery. Specific exhibition will be determined together by VCAC, County staff, and the artist once they have been selected, and will be based on the artist's availability and on how the artist's work complements the specific theme of the exhibition. The three exhibitions are:

October 20 – December 8, 2025 - "A Journey Through the Mind"

December 8, 2025 – January 26, 2026 - "The Sound of Silence"

March 25 – May 18, 2026 - "Environment and Mental Health"

Selected visual artists will also be asked to speak at an in-person reception at the Atrium Gallery during the first or second week of the exhibition.

PERFORMING/LITERARY ART:

Artists who are selected whose work is not visual will be requested to perform, read, other otherwise display in-person through a venue appropriate to the piece during one of the above three exhibitions. Specific exhibition will be determined together by VCAC, County staff, and the artist once they have been selected, and will be based on the artist's availability and on how the artist's work complements the specific theme of the exhibition.

All artists, whether visual or performing/literary, retain copyright ownership of their work, but all allow Ventura County Arts Council and the County of Ventura a perpetual, non-commercial, royalty-free license for display, documentation, and promotional use.

2. Social Media Campaign (3 posts)

Post 1: Behind-the-scenes creation process
Post 2: Completed artwork reveal with mental health resources
Post 3: Community engagement encouraging followers to share their arts/wellness experiences

3. Blog Post (500-750 words)

Personal essay on how creativity supports their mental health with practical advice for community, with photographs or other engaging materials.

4. Artist Website Profile

Professional bio, headshot, artist statement, and portfolio/work links for VibeWell website.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Local Connection: Ventura County residents or strong community ties
• Social Media Presence: 1,000+ engaged followers
• Community Engagement: History of local arts participation
• Diversity: Cultural background, artistic style, geographic representation
• Mission Alignment: Interest in mental health advocacy/community wellness

APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Open Call
• Required Materials: Portfolio/links to work, artist statement, social media analytics, community references.
• Review Committee: VCAC and County staff

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Rolling. First Review Expected October 15, 2025.

INSURANCE REQUIREMENT: If selected, all artists will be required to posses general liability insurance covering themself for the scope of the project with Ventura County listed as additionally insured.