Denver Arts & Venues Announces New DAV Arts & Culture Fund

Denver Arts & Venues is now accepting applications for the DAV Arts & Culture Fund.

Denver Arts & Venues (DAV) presents the DAV Arts & Culture Fund, supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). DAV invites government entities, non-profit organizations and individuals to apply. The DAV Arts & Culture Fund will provide up to $15,000 in funding support for new or existing programs inspired by one or more of the seven vision elements outlined in Denver’s Cultural Plan that further develop Denver’s creative landscape:

1. Integration – Arts, culture and creativity are fully integrated into daily life, work and play in Denver 
2. Amplification – Arts, culture and creativity are amplified in Denver 
3. Accessibility – Arts, culture and creativity are truly inclusive and accessible for all
4. Lifelong Learning – Exposure, education and participation in arts, culture and creativity span our lifetimes
5. Local Talent – Denver’s diverse artistic and creative professionals are locally cultivated
6. Economic Vitality – Denver’s economic vitality is accelerated by arts, culture and creativity
7. Collective Leadership – Collective and collaborative leadership is committed to high impact results across Denver

“We are excited to announce this new funding opportunity to support creative, artistic and cultural programs that strengthen Denver’s vibrancy. Arts and culture are truly the core of a thriving, engaging and active city, and paramount to making Denver a great place to live, work and play,” said Gretchen Hollrah, Denver Arts & Venues executive director. “With the funding match from National Endowment for the Arts, we double our financial impact through these grants, to support Denver’s creative community and improve access to arts and culture.”

“The National Endowment for the Arts is pleased to support a wide range of projects, including the DAV Arts & Culture Fund, demonstrating the many ways the arts enrich our lives and contribute to healthy and thriving communities,” said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD. “These organizations play an important role in advancing the creative vitality of our nation and helping to ensure that all people can benefit from arts, culture and design.”

Proposals will be accepted now through April 30, 11:59 p.m.

Projects can be independent or collaborative and should reflect the applicant’s unique interpretation of the cultural plan. Programs must take place in the City and County of Denver in 2024 or 2025. All projects should be centered in the values of equity, diversity and inclusion, and applicants should consider how their programs and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Additionally, proposed projects should benefit the community through artistic, cultural and creative programming.

“More than 10 years ago, Denver Arts & Venues led Denver in the creation of our first cultural plan since 1989,” said Tariana Navas-Nieves, Denver Arts & Venues deputy director. “As we move forward with the newest iteration of Denver’s Cultural Plan, the DAV Arts & Culture Fund underlines our commitment to stewarding this vision and investing in Denver’s cultural landscape.”

DAV is also hosting a virtual pre-application meeting on April 4, 1-2 p.m. for interested applicants. The meeting will cover the program’s goals, and the application process for this fund. This event will be hosted on Zoom. Interested applicants are asked to register on Eventbrite to get information on how to join prior to the event.

More information on this and other Denver Arts & Venues grants and cultural investments is available at https://www.artsandvenuesdenver.com/grants-cultural-investments/grants.