For this application in other languages please contact the Office of Arts + Culture Arts Program Manager Lauren Click at clickl@bouldercolorado.gov.
Purpose
Provides financial support and professional development opportunities for emerging leaders who will focus their career in the arts on increasing diversity, improving equity, and elevating the voices of historically underrepresented groups in the arts and culture sector.
The scholarship will provide funding for individuals attending undergraduate or graduate studies, joining leadership training programs, and partaking in internship opportunities that will help scholarship recipients gain the skills and connections necessary to succeed in arts leadership roles.
The program’s selection criteria will consider a number of factors including, but not limited to: applicants identify as a member of a minority group and commitment to pursuing a career in arts leadership. Preference will be given to applicants who have limited access to traditional leadership development opportunities due to financial, social, or cultural barriers.
How to Apply
- Complete the application by 11:59 p.m. on the day of the deadline. The application consists of:
- Online application form
- Resume
- Letter of recommendation
- Letter of interest in the program. Please respond to these questions. Contribution to Boulder Culture:
- Tell us about your plans to work in the city of Boulder?
- How does the program you are attending contribute to your career plans in Boulder?
- The program’s selection criteria will consider a number of factors including, but not limited to: financial need, status as a women or minority applicant, degree to which you are connected with communities, organizations, and artists of color. Are you a member of an underrepresented community in Boulder? How would you use your career to advance equity in the arts community in Boulder?
- If you’re not able to stay in the arts and culture community in Boulder, how does this funding support the advancement of equity in the arts in Boulder?
- Look for an automated email message confirming receipt of your application.
- After the deadline, staff will send all applications to the panel for review. The panel consists of the seven City Council-appointed Boulder Arts Commissioners.
- At the meeting on August 23, 2023, the panel will ask you follow up questions about your application. Final decisions will also be made at the meeting.
- If you are awarded a scholarship, staff from the Office of Arts and Culture will contact you to complete any necessary paperwork.
Total funds: $16,000 total; two awards of $8,000.
Cycle: Opportunities must take place after the grant funding decision on August 23, 2023. May be used to cover classes and programs through December 2024.
Maximum Amounts for Scholarships: Scholarship funds may be used for program costs, tuition, room and board, food, and transportation.
Details: Individuals may apply for any program or opportunity they wish. In addition, we encourage participation in this specific program: CU Boulder Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration
Decision timelines
- Application opens – Thursday, July 6, 2023
- Application closes – Friday, August 4 at midnight
- Staff review for eligibility – August 4 through 11
- Commission receives the applications – August 14
- Interview with the Commission – at the meeting on Wednesday, August 23 at 6pm
Eligibility Requirements
1. General eligibility. Meets all general eligibility requirements.
2. Emerging leaders. Interns, students of all ages are welcome, but it is intended for arts leaders early in their career.
3. Opportunities must take place after the grant funding decision on August 23, 2023. May be used to cover classes and programs through December 2024.
4. Award Limitations. One scholarship per individual will be awarded each year. Consideration will be given to maximize the number of organizations participating.
Review Process
1. Deliberation. Applicants are expected to attend the Wednesday, August 23, 2023, meeting of the Arts Commission for a live, group interview with the Commission members. Decisions will be made at the same meeting.
2. Evaluation criteria.
- Contribution to Boulder culture
- Resume
- Letter of recommendation
Apply
Log onto the Boulder Arts Commission online grant portal to preview and apply. If you have not logged on before, make a profile. Applications must be submitted using our online grant applications.
Appeals Process
Written Appeals Process. The deadline for a written appeal is 14 days after funding decisions has been made by the Boulder Arts Commission. The appeals process can be found here.
Reporting
Submit the report through the online system access through the boulderarts.org website. Log in with the same user name and password utilized to submit the application. After logging in, go to the ‘Dashboard’, then you’ll see a ‘Follow Up’ section for the grant. On the far right is the ‘Edit’ button. That will take you to complete the final report.
More Information
2023 Grant Application Schedule
General Eligibility Requirements
General Grant Guidelines & Process
Grant FAQs