About The Ford

The Ford, an 1,180 seat outdoor amphitheater located in Hollywood’s Cahuenga Pass, is owned and operated by the LA Phil in partnership with the County of Los Angeles.

Recognizing that active participation by all communities in Los Angeles County’s cultural life is integral to building a society where all people have a voice, The Ford embraces the guiding principles that:

• The creative and cultural expression of all people of the region is of equal value

• Programming that illuminates the complex diversity of the region sparks curiosity and dialogue and opens pathways to greater understanding of Los Angeles’ many communities

• Access to top-of-the-line amenities is crucial for under-resourced and growth ready artists and producers to realize their work and raise their visibility

• Skill building and peer-to-peer learning opportunities for artists and producers strengthens the region’s artistic infrastructure

• Welcoming environments encourage participation, innovation, and collaboration

Application Information

Key Deadlines

August 1, 2023, 5pm PT: Letters of Intent due
August 31, 2023: Invitations to submit a full application are sent
September 30, 2023, 11:59pm PT: Full applications due 

Letters of Intent (LOI)

The first tier of this process is the Letter of Intent (LOI). The Ford will consider Letters of Intent that reflect The Ford's commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and bring people together for transformative arts experiences that inspire, empower and ignite cultural exchange. As previously mentioned, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full application.

For questions about the LOI or application process, please email fordlab@laphil.org.

Send your LOI in Word or PDF format only to fordlab@laphil.org. In the subject line, include “FordLab LOI– [APPLICANT NAME].” LOI’s must be received no later than August 1, 2023, 5pm PT to be considered. Full application submissions are by invitation only, as a result of LOI panel review.

Eligibility

To be eligible you must be a Los Angeles-based independent artist, nonprofit organization, presenter, producer or producing collective interested in presenting in The Ford’s 2024 performance season, July through mid-October. Friendly reminder that programs cannot be fundraisers, award shows, require solicitations, or represent political issues. This includes Galas and/or any VIP Experiences.

LOIs must adhere to the indicated format. You must also submit work samples as detailed below.

LOI Guidelines

In no more than two pages, using 11 point Arial font and one inch margins, provide a summary of your proposed event using the following format:

Salutation: Address letter to The Ford's FordLab Program Selection Committee

Paragraph 1: Applicant Information

Address the following:

• Applicant and/or organization name and brief introduction.

Paragraph 2: Project Description

Describe your artistic vision for the event and walk us through the show from start to finish. Please include the following:

• What artistic discipline is represented in the proposed work? (e.g., dance, music, opera, multidisciplinary work, theater, musical theater, folk and traditional arts, etc.)

• What cultural or ethnic traditions are represented in the production? (If applicable)

• Describe your event including title and proposed performers.

• Describe your artistic vision for the event and what the audience is expected to experience.

• Describe the core audience for your proposed event. Please be specific and avoid generalizations such as “Los Angeles residents” or “fans of our work.” Consider geographic, cultural, ethnic, generational, and artistic affiliations of your core audiences and the approximate size of these groups.

• Please include the total budget you estimate spending on the project and describe the various sources you will target to fund the project.

Paragraph 3: Why The Ford?

Address the following:

• Why is it important to your organization to produce at The Ford’s 1180-seat venue at this time?

• How does the proposed event align with The Ford’s mission and guiding principles?

Paragraph 4: Production History

Address the following:

• List at least two examples of an event you or your organization produced. Should be recent and as similar in size or scope to the proposed show as possible. Include venue name and audience capacity.

• Describe how the project was financed and if it broke even or realized a profit or loss.

Work Samples and References

In no more than one page, using 11 point Arial font and one inch margins, provide work samples and references as follows:

Work Samples:

Provide only web links (e.g. Youtube, Vimeo, Soundcloud, Flickr, etc.). Samples must either be of a previous production of the proposed event or events that are similar in scale and/or production quality. You may submit up to two video work samples, no longer than three minutes each. At least one sample should show the work of a fully staged production or concert. If you have rehearsal or workshop footage featuring an excerpt of the proposed program, please include it. Samples should feature the proposed artists/company/organization. Avoid including marketing/promo videos or edited montages, except for film or film festival trailers.

References:

Provide two references that speak to your production experience. References should represent or be associated with venues, festivals, or other presenting entities. Underneath each reference, provide a short description of their relationship to your work. (Please remember to receive prior permission for your references.)

LOI Assessment

Proposed projects will be assessed by a selected review panel using the following criteria:

• Artistic quality and proposal detail

• Applicant’s background/experience producing performing arts events

• An existing supportive core audience

• Adaptability to The Ford’s stage, technical capabilities, and audience capacity

• Alignment with The Ford’s mission