In 2025, RiNo is committed to supporting artists and creatives with funding for projects and public programs in the five neighborhoods that make up the RiNo Art District.
March 7, 2025
RiNo invites the community to propose programs and events that strengthen the local creative economy while fostering engagement within the RiNo Art District. New for 2025, small businesses are also eligible to apply for funding to support artistic initiatives and community involvement through their operations. Eligible programs and events may include any form of art—performing, visual, literary, installations, and more—but must be scheduled for 2025 and located in one of the five historic neighborhoods within RiNo: Five Points, Globeville, Elyria-Swansea, or Cole.
Programs and events eligible for funding should focus on community-centered activations that showcase social impact. This can include initiatives that promote cultural awareness, foster inclusivity, or address key community challenges through artistic expression.
In addition, funding will prioritize projects that enhance accessibility, ensuring that art and creative experiences are available to individuals of all abilities and backgrounds. Proposals that contribute to the economic growth of the local creative community, such as those that support local artists, creatives, or small businesses, will receive special consideration.
By funding these types of programs, the RiNo Art District aims to amplify the positive role of art in driving social change, building connections, and supporting the broader creative economy.
Additional Details + Application
Examples of previously funded programs:
- Sister Rosetta | Chloé Duplessis — An accessible, interactive, and multidisciplinary art installation in partnership with the Blair Caldwell African American Research Library honoring the founder of Rock and Roll, guitarist and performer Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
- God Bless the Block | Armando Geneyro — A multi-tiered creative project consisting of a mural unveiling, photo exhibition, and community celebration, along with a magazine release showcasing photos featured in the exhibit.
- RiNo Art District Career Fest | Devin Urioste (SpeakS) — This program will expose high school students to creative career paths beyond traditional professions, potentially connecting them to internship, mentorship, and artistic opportunities.
- The Bluebird & The Salon Project | Theatre Artibus — Two original theater projects themed around Unheard Voices at the Savoy Denver: The Bluebird, a wordless odyssey delving into dreams and dreamers, and The Salon Project, a heartfelt homage to the vibrant Latinx community of Five Points/Curtis Park.
Grants will be opened for three cycles for 2025, each submission cycle will be 6 weeks long, with 6 weeks following for administrative review and payment issuance. Each cycle opens $50,000 in funding for a total of $150,000 in 2025.
Projects must be located in North Denver, specifically the five neighborhoods that create RiNo (Five Points, Globeville, Elyria-Swansea, and Cole)
If selected to receive funding, grant awardees must accept the funds within a week of acceptance or forfeit the funds.
If seeking additional funding from other organizations, RiNo funding must be allocated exclusively for independent or distinct needs within the proposal. Grant matching is available if indicated in the submitted proposal.
All awarded grantees will receive funding 3 to 4 weeks after the submission deadline closes pending receipt of all requested documentation and necessary submitted forms. i.e. W9 form, and signed agreement.
All projects must be completed by December 31, 2025. Failure to meet the deadline will require the repayment of awarded funds to RiNo, and awardees will face a mandatory waiting period before being eligible to submit future grant applications.
No backdated projects will be accepted.
All funded projects must submit a comprehensive overview report by the end of 2025. Failure to do so will disqualify awardees from receiving funding in 2026. Reporting requirements and supporting documentation will be provided to awarded recipients during the acceptance process.
All grant awardees must provide language and 3-4 images upon acceptance, granting RiNo permission to use them for social media promotion of the event, program, or activation. RiNo may also highlight the project as a Creative Grant recipient.
All awarded grantees with higher level funding must complete an interview with RiNo administration and staff.
Funding preference for proposals that pay artists/creative directly.
Rent or Utilities
Transportation costs
Wages
General maintenance or typical updates
Venue Costs - including use of the Truss House
Personal art exhibition or supplies for private display, must be open to the public
Marketing - per the benefits of the grant, RiNo will support marketing efforts but funds are not available to support the marketing of an event, program or business endeavor
Overly ambitious programs/events. All submissions must be focused and succinct.
Vague submissions without detailed structure of committed partners, collaborators, venue/location or quantifiable end result.
Food or beverage to support a program/event
Outside of the 5 neighborhoods of the RiNo Art District.
(image credit: Denver Fringe)