Urban Arts Fund 2020

Denver's Urban Arts Fund is calling for any artist or team of artists demonstrating the ability to execute a successful mural project. The fund encourages emerging artists and artists representing marginalized communities including women, people of color, people with disabilities, and people identifying as LGBTQ+, to apply. Preference will be given to projects with a well-planned youth development and community engagement component, first time applicants (artists and organizations who have not received funding in previous years), and projects in neighborhoods and city council districts which currently have few or zero UAF mural projects, including council districts 2, 4, 5, 6, and 8.

Funding ranges from $3,000 to $10,000. Applications were open February 17 through March 16, 2020. Applications require an uploaded concept sketch or rendering of the designed mural including location, requested budget, and timeline; a photo of the wall containing proof of graffiti; a completed Budget Worksheet; and four images of past works that include location, dimension of mural, and commissioned amount. Colorado artists must provide a photo of the designated site showing evidence of a "graffiti hot spot" wall. Permission to paint on private business property requires owner approval. Out of state applicants should indicate if they need assistance identifying a wall.

Projects are selected by the UAF Steering Committee with award notification in April 2020. Application review takes 2-4 weeks, and if approved, the City may require an additional 4-6 weeks for background checks, contract drafting, and invoice processing. Applications may be recommended for funding at a level lower than requested. The Committee may give conditional approval pending additional information or community input. UAF awardees are required to document their project through photographs and/or video and interviews with participants, and may be required to present their project at a public event. A Final Report is required after the mural is completed. For questions, contact Mary Valdez at [email protected] or 720-865-5564.