Arts in Society Colorado Artist Grant

Administrator: RedLine Contemporary Art Center

Funder: Funded through a cohort of Colorado foundations and government agencies

Geographic Scope: Colorado

Eligibility: Both individuals and organizations

Focus Areas:

• Projects that use art as a vehicle to promote social justice and community welfare
• Cross-sector work through the arts
• Arts-based community engagement and transformation

Types of Supported Projects:

• Arts programming for underserved populations (justice-impacted individuals, military families, homeless populations, healthcare workers, etc.)
• Community-led public art installations
• Literary arts and creative writing programs
• Opera and performing arts
• Visual arts exhibitions and place-making
• Arts education and mentorship programs
• Both new initiatives and expansion of existing programs

What They Fund:

• Program expansion and capacity building
• Artist compensation and honorariums
• Art supplies and materials
• Volunteer support (fuel reimbursement, etc.)
• Public-facing events and exhibitions
• Community engagement and design processes
• Educational curricula and workshops

Contact Information:

• Phone: 720-769-2390
• Email: info@redlineart.org
• Address: RedLine Contemporary Art Center, 2350 Arapahoe Street, Denver, CO 80205-2613

Application Support:
RedLine staff provides information sessions, guidance, and support throughout the application process. Applicants are encouraged to attend early information sessions and ask questions during development.

Notes:

• Two-part application process (Request for Proposals structure)
• Application requires semi-lengthy narrative questions and detailed project design information
• The program values authenticity, clear community benefit, and cross-sector collaboration
• Information sessions are available to prospective applicants

Application Process

Two-Part Application Structure:

• Part 1: Initial proposal submission
• Part 2: Detailed project development

Application Components:

• Semi-lengthy narrative questions addressing project design, selection and engagement processes, and evaluation criteria
• Detailed project specifications (budget, timeline, partners, community engagement strategy)
• Demonstration of community need and benefit
• Description of how the project uses art for social justice and community welfare

Required Information:

• Project overview and goals
• Community partners and collaborators
• Budget and financial plan
• Community engagement and selection process
• Evaluation criteria and metrics
• Organizational capacity and history

Support Available:

• Information sessions (attend early)
• Staff consultation and guidance
• Feedback on project framing and community benefit

Tips from Grantees:

• Attend information sessions early and ask questions
• Be honest about community needs rather than assuming what funders want
• Conceive of projects as both immediate/tangible and living/long-lasting
• Outline clear community benefit beyond artistic excellence
• Include a call-to-action showing how the project creates change
• Lead with authenticity and community values
• Prepare detailed project specifications before submission (especially for governmental entities and smaller organizations)
• Consider applying as a coalition or partnership
• Demonstrate both the immediate impact and longer-term vision

Preparation:

• Develop project plans in advance
• Build community partnerships before applying
• Have grant writing capacity available if possible
• Gather community input and data
• Document organizational readiness and capacity