Artist Hiring Incentive Grants

The Artist Hiring Incentive Grants, administered by the Office of Arts + Culture within the City of Boulder, are designed to promote employment opportunities for Boulder-based visual, performing, and literary artists. With a total funding pool of $49,000, this program supports both nonprofit and for-profit organizations that demonstrate a commitment to community-oriented missions and operations. These grants aim to incentivize organizations to commission local artists for performances, exhibitions, or the creation of new artistic work, thereby fostering a vibrant cultural ecosystem within the city. The initiative is divided into two annual funding cycles, with each cycle offering seven grants of $3,500, totaling 14 awards per year. Projects funded through this program must involve public programming that takes place within the city limits of Boulder. The grant specifically covers the costs associated with hiring a local artist and is limited to one grant per organization or business each year. Awarded projects must commence after funding decisions are made and be completed by June 30, 2027. Eligibility is inclusive but clearly defined. Applicants may be nonprofit organizations, organizations with pending nonprofit status, fiscally sponsored entities, or for-profit businesses that can demonstrate a history of community-focused programming, at least two years of active operations, and oversight from a board or similar body that includes community representation. The artist hired must reside within Boulder city limits, with valid documentation to confirm their primary address. The same geographic requirement applies to applicant organizations, ensuring the funding directly benefits the local community. The application process is fully online via the Boulder Arts Commission grant portal. Applicants must submit a completed application form, a project summary, budget details including the artist’s fee, an anti-discrimination statement, a venue confirmation letter, and any other relevant supporting documents. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. In cases where staff need additional input, applications may be forwarded to the Arts Commission for further review. Awards are announced at the commission's next scheduled meeting following the application deadline. For 2026, Round One opened in January with staggered access dates: January 5 for applicants not previously awarded the grant, and January 12 for all other applicants. The application deadline for this round is January 23. Round Two follows a similar format, opening on July 6 for new applicants and on July 13 for all, with a deadline of July 31. Notifications for each round are issued approximately one week after the respective deadlines. Applicants may direct inquiries to the Office of Arts + Culture by contacting the main email at [email protected] or by phone at 720-564-2355. The program also accommodates Spanish-speaking applicants and offers translation support. The grants team, led by Grants Manager Sarah Harrison, facilitates the application and reporting process, which is managed through an online dashboard where applicants can complete follow-up requirements post-award.