$661,000 Granted to 27 Artists and Organizations Fostering Cross-Sector Work in Colorado
Arts in Society is a cross-sector grant program that seeks to support art projects that positively impact cross-sector initiatives, such as health, environment, and other human service programs statewide. Founded in 2017, this unique collaboration between Colorado funders and administered by RedLine Contemporary Art Center seeks to meet what is now over $6 million in cross-sector grant requests across the state of Colorado each year. To-date, Arts in Society has granted over $4 million for projects fostering cross-sector work and supporting the integration of arts and culture into multiple disciplines critical to the health and well-being of Coloradans.
"We're proud to be a key funder for the Arts in Society Grant," said Tariana Navas-Nieves, Denver Arts & Venues deputy director. “By joining efforts with other funders, this collaborative grantmaking program makes a larger impact on the artists and organizations doing cross-sector work, which are critical to our creative sector."
27 projects were funded for amounts ranging between $15,000-$35,000 for the 2024 grant cycle, which will be announced and grantees were acknowledged during RedLine’s annual EPIC Gala on April 18, 2024. Denver Arts & Venues contributed $100,000 for project funding within the City and County of Denver.
“Colorado Creative Industries is honored to partner with the Arts in Society collaborative, investing in projects using the arts as the conduit for addressing social issues across Colorado. Evidence consistently demonstrates how arts and culture are an antidote for challenges related to environmental sustainability, health and mental health care access, and other social service-related concerns that impact communities and individuals of diverse backgrounds and walks of life.” -Josh Blanchard, Director, Colorado Creative Industries
From January 2024 to March 2024, a 14-member panel composed of individuals across the state of Colorado assembled to review over 344 grant applications. Grant applications were assessed based on the applicant’s ability to illustrate artistic commitment, broaden the understanding of the role arts play in society, demonstrate cross-sector work, exhibit cultural relevance, foster community engagement, and present opportunities for shared learning. New grantees from across the state will join in a learning community cohort that will meet throughout the next year to share best practices, challenges, and opportunities related to their projects.
"I'm always impressed by the applications for Arts in Society," said Brooke Dilling, Denver Arts & Venues manager of cultural programs and review panelist. "Through the work of all grantees, art is an integral element in building thriving communities with a focus on social justice and community welfare."
To learn more about Arts in Society, the funding partners, grantees, and history of granted projects, please visit https://www.redlineart.org/arts-in-society.
Congratulations to all the 2024 Arts in Society grant recipients!