Bonfils-Stanton Foundation and Denver Arts & Venues Partner to Launch Social Impact Artist Award Mayor Mike Johnson Announces $50,000 Awards for Socially Engaged Artists and Projects

Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Denver’s leading private arts funder, and Denver Arts & Venues (DAV) have partnered to launch the Social Impact Artist Award. Three Denver-based artists or art collectives will be awarded $50,000 each in honor and support of outstanding artistic contributions that champion positive impact and social justice. The award includes a $35,000 cash award and $15,000 for a socially engaged project. Award recipients will demonstrate a strong commitment to addressing social issues through creative practices while elevating Denver’s profile for artistic expression. 

“Denver has a proud legacy of artists whose work is guided by the issues, hopes, and dreams of community,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “Now more than ever, cities need artists who can imagine new possibilities that reshape and better our country.”

This partnership between Bonfils-Stanton and DAV builds on a shared commitment to artists for the critical role they play in creating a more just and vibrant Denver. The award signifies an evolution of Bonfils-Stanton's 25-year-old legacy artist award program to recognize the contributions of early and mid-career artists whose work is informed by the perspectives of communities across Denver, including those that are historically marginalized. It also aligns with the City of Denver's cultural plan which invests in local artists and creative talent. 

“For over a decade now, we’ve made a strategic decision to direct our funding toward the arts,” said Gary Steuer, President and CEO of Bonfils-Stanton Foundation. “Art has the power to transform every aspect of community life, from the economy down to the social fabric of neighborhoods. This new award is a testament to our commitment and the potential we see in our local artists.” 

Tariana Navas-Nieves, Deputy Director of DAV, added, “Generations from now, when people look back at who and what has shaped Denver into a leading city, these expressions of art will be a part of that story. That’s the exciting part for us.” 

Applications are open until August 23, 2024 at 5:00 pm MT and accessible on both the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation and Denver Arts & Venues websites. Eligible applications will be reviewed by a community panel, with awards being announced in November.