Denver Arts & Venues Announces Funding Support for Five Points Jazz

 

DENVER – Denver Arts & Venues (DAV) today announced the opening of its financial commitment and grant applications as part of Five Points Jazz. In partnership with the Five Points Business Improvement District (BID) and the office of Councilman Darrell Watson, DAV will distribute $225k total as part of the initiative to support jazz and jazz-related programming throughout the year in the Five Points neighborhood.

 

“DAV’s mission is rooted in supporting the arts,” said Gretchen Hollrah, executive director of DAV. “This annual support shows our steadfast commitment to arts, culture and the history of jazz in Five Points, while creating exciting opportunities that help foster a new generation of jazz artists in the neighborhood.”

 

“We’re excited for this new opportunity in Five Points that will ensure the legacy of jazz continues, through a continuous stream of concerts and events,” said Councilman Darrell Watson, who represents Five Points’ District 9. “Five Points will continue to be an exciting destination for jazz and jazz lovers in the city of Denver.”

 

Out of the $225k total investment DAV is making, $100k is dedicated to grant giving, allowing for grants up to $10k each. Applicants can be neighborhood-based groups, Registered Neighborhood Organizations, place-based organizations, individuals residing or working in the Five Points neighborhood or individuals working with one or more of the aforementioned. Applicant projects should be tied to jazz, whether that’s through music, visual arts, theatre, or other creative endeavors.

 

The Five Points BID will utilize $125k to execute a series of year-round programmatic activities focused on jazz and the rich history of the Five Points neighborhood, including a First Friday Five Points Jazz Hop, Five Points Jazz in the Park – a bi-monthly jazz concert series, Holiday Jazz Jams and Toy Drive and many more events.

 

“These funds support jazz musicians, artists and our Five Points businesses,” added Five Points BID Executive Director Norman Harris. “We encourage local residents and all Denverites to participate in the neighborhood’s legacy as the ‘Harlem of the West.’”

 

Interested applicants for the grants distributed by DAV are encouraged to attend a virtual information session on Wednesday, March 5 at 10 a.m. To register for the session and for more information, click here.

 

Funded projects must take place in the 2025 calendar year. Full guidelines, criteria and application instructions can be found at artsandvenuesdenver.com/five-points-jazz.

“Five Points has long been the heart and soul of Denver’s jazz scene—a place where culture, history, and music come alive,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “This partnership ensures jazz remains a vibrant and vital part of Denver’s cultural fabric, supporting local musicians, venues and the businesses that make this community special.”

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About Denver Arts & Venues
Denver Arts & Venues’ mission is to enrich Denver’s quality of life and economic vitality through the advancement of arts, culture and entertainment opportunities for all. Denver Arts & Venues operates Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex, Colorado Convention Center, Denver Coliseum, Theatre at Loretto Heights and McNichols Civic Center Building, using proceeds from events at these venues to run and maintain these facilities and to provide access to art for all through free and low-cost community events, grants for artists and arts organizations, public art and art education. Using Good Times, For Good.

For more information, visit www.ArtsandVenues.com