Applications Open for 2025 Boulder Arts Commission Cultural Grants

Applications are now open for the Boulder Arts Commission 2025 Cultural Grants Program. Grants help fund cultural experiences, professional development opportunities for artists, field trips for students, general operating support for organizations, rental of performance venues, and more. Funding opportunities are available for organizations, individuals and classrooms. Applications are available in English and Spanish. All grant applications are now available to preview. Please consult the schedule as some are first come, first served, and some have application deadlines.

Cultural grants offer individuals and organizations the resources needed to enhance our community through innovative programming and enriching experiences. There are demonstrated benefits of broad arts and culture programming in the community, such as supporting well-being and connection, attracting tourists, engaging youth, fostering inclusion, and cultivating economic vitality. According to 2023 research by Americans for the Arts, 87% agreed that participation in an activity or at a venue, "inspired a sense of pride in [the] neighborhood or community." The same research demonstrated that Boulder's arts and culture industry generates more than $115 million in annual economic impact, supporting 2,451 jobs and nearly $30 million in local, state and federal tax revenue.

During the 2024 cultural grants cycle, the Arts Commission awarded over $1.3 million in 157 grants and fee waivers. Throughout 2025, the Arts Commission will provide over $1.4 million in community funding for the arts - providing critical support for the overall vibrancy of our city.

Information sessions about the 2025 Boulder Arts Commission cultural grants will be held on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 11:30 a.m.in the Community Vitality Arts and Culture Offices (1500 Pearl St., Suite #300) and over Zoom on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 4:00 p.m.This information session will also have live Spanish translation.

There are multiple funding opportunities for the Boulder arts and culture community in addition to Arts Commission grants. The Community Vitality Department is hosting a Cultural Organizations Summit: 2025 Funding Info Sessionon Wednesday, Dec. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Chautauqua Community House (310 Morning Glory Dr.). Attendees will enjoy presentations about 2025 funding opportunities from arts supporters across the region. Please RSVP, specifying the event(s) you would like to attend, to [email protected].

"The arts are essential to Boulder's cultural vibrancy and a powerful driver of its economic vitality," said Lauren Click, manager of the Office of Arts and Culture. "Grant funding creates experiences that broaden our perspectives and build empathy while also creating jobs, driving tourism and supporting local businesses. We are excited for the grant program to grow and help deepen the impact of arts in our community."

As a result of the Arts, Culture and Heritage Tax, and guided by community input, expanded funding is available for 2025 General Operating Support Grants. Over the next year, the city will be conducting a comprehensive engagement process to determine how to utilize the additional funding. This new plan, called the Boulder Arts Blueprint, will help inform the next iteration of the Community Cultural Plan.

To learn more about 2025 cultural grant opportunities and to apply, please visit the program webpage.

Image credit: Still image from the film "Innate Stimulate" directed by Megan Roney, August 20, 2023, photo by Scott Rowland.