Colorado Creative Industries, a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, announced that applications are open for the Colorado Arts Relief Fund for Individuals and the Colorado Arts Relief Fund for Businesses and Organizations.
“Arts and culture have always been essential to resilience during times of crisis. These funds will propel the creative sector forward as we continue to build back stronger post-pandemic,” said Margaret Hunt, CCI director.
This initiative directs up to $15.5 million for relief payments to eligible artists, crew members and organizations. Funding will be distributed through two grant applications, Colorado Arts Relief — Organization and Business FY22 and Colorado Arts Relief — Individuals FY22.
These key economic tools foster economic stability and recovery by retaining Colorado’s arts industry jobs and businesses while preserving community cultural assets strained during the pandemic.
“According to Americans for the Arts research, 72 percent of Americans believe ‘the arts unify our communities regardless of age, race, sexual orientation and ethnicity’ and 81 percent say the arts are a ‘positive experience in a troubled world,’” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver.
“This program helps Colorado’s creative sector endure while preserving our vibrant reputation as a great place to live, visit, and do business.”
The fund for individuals will provide grants up to $4,000 to arts, culture and entertainment artists and crewmembers. It prioritizes artists and crewmembers who applied for previous Arts Relief funding but did not receive it due to lack of funds.
The fund for organizations and businesses provides up to $200,000 in general operating support for arts, culture and entertainment organizations and businesses. Funds are targeted to help avoid permanent closures of arts, culture and entertainment businesses, retain or rehire jobs, and preserve community cultural assets affected by COVID-19.
View the guidelines and other information for both at oedit.colorado.gov/colorado-arts-relief-grant.
Online applications will be accepted at co-cci.smapply.org through 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, 2021.