Social Impact Artist Award - Artist Collective Grant

Social Impact Artist Award - Artist Collective Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Bonfils-Stanton Foundation
Amount: Up to US $50,000
Last Updated: March 02, 2026

Summary

Overview

Social Impact Artist Award Bonfils-Stanton Foundation and Denver Arts & Venues are proud to launch the Social Impact Artist Award. The award honors the outstanding contributions of three Denver-based artist collectives dedicated to championing positive impact and social justice through their artistic practice with a $50,000 award that includes $15,000 for a socially engaged project. Socially engaged art serves as a powerful catalyst for positive change within communities, fostering connections, dialogue, and collective action. Collectives who work in partnership with local organizations and residents to co-create meaningful interventions and initiatives not only raise awareness about important issues but also empower individuals to become active participants in shaping their own communities. By fostering empathy and solidarity, these artistic interventions build bridges across divides and inspire collective action toward a more equitable and just society. Ultimately, socially engaged art reaffirms the intrinsic connection between creativity, community, and social change, demonstrating the transformative potential of art to shape the world we live in. Program Goals: Support individual artists or artist collectives in Denver who are actively engaged in addressing social issues through their creative practice. Showcase the impact of socially engaged art in promoting dialogue, raising awareness about the cultural diversity in our city, and fostering partnerships and collaborations to support thriving communities. Prioritize and amplify the perspectives and experiences of artists and culture bearers who identify with historically marginalized communities. Elevate the profile of Denver as a center for socially conscious artistic expression and innovation. Encourage and provide project funding for artists to explore ways for the community to participate in, respond to, inform, and learn from their work. How many $50,000 prizes will be awarded this year? Three artist collectives will be selected. How are the funds issued to awardees? Upon selection, the three (3) awardees must submit a W9 to Bonfils-Stanton Foundation for the $35,000 award as the foundation is required by the IRS to issue a 1099 to the individual for the amount. Members of artist collectives will split the $35,000 cash award evenly. The project funds will be awarded separately through Denver Arts & Venues. Artist collectives will work together on a project with the allocated $15,000 budget.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Artist collectives eligibility:Live and/or work primarily in Denver.At least 5 years experience creating original work in at least one artistic discipline (e.g., dance, music, theatre, visual arts, design, crafts, film & media arts, literature, folk & traditional arts) in Denver. Have a deep commitment to social justice and community engagement through their artistic practice. Artists collectives have a track record of working collaboratively on new work and are committed to completing the socially engaged project associated with the award.Work samples should reflect full member collaboration and not individual works by each member.Eligible Expenses: Professional services related to permits, consultants, insurance, etc. Personnel Project management costs, including such roles as project manager, volunteer coordinator, community organizer and/or lead artist(s) Program Development Pre-planning, development of program details Supplies and materials Advance supplies or materials to support the creation of the program Materials, supplies, equipment, landscaping and maintenance

Ineligibility

Ineligible applicants include: Past honorees of Bonfils-Stanton Foundation’s award program Employees of Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, a Trustee of the Foundation, or a relative or partner of any employee or Trustee of the Foundation501(c)(3) nonprofits or fiscally-sponsored organizations are not eligible.Ineligible Expenses: Projects on private property (unless combined with public spaces project) Purchase of facilities Maintenance, operation or retroactive funding of existing projects Re-granting Programs that have restricted participation and public access on the basis of race, gender, creed, origin, age, disability Expenses incurred outside of the funding period Fundraising activities Cash reserves and endowments Capital projects Alcohol