RiNo Art District Announces Q1 Recipients of Creative Grants

Local Artists and Entrepreneurs Receive Funding to Support Projects Fostering Community and Economic Engagement in the RiNo Art District

May 21, 2024

RiNo Art District announced the first round of individuals and organizations receiving funding through the Creative Grants program. In Q1 2024, RiNo awarded $41,500 to 10 different arts organizations.

The RiNo Art District launched an open call in February 2024 inviting the community to propose programs and events that support the local creative economy while fostering involvement and engagement in the RiNo Art District. Eligible programs can encompass any form of art (performing, visual, literary, installations, etc.), but must take place in 2024 and be located in one of the five historic neighborhoods RiNo touches (Five Points, Globeville, Elyria-Swansea, and Cole.)

“What makes this program so impactful is the fact that we are not only able to support local artists and organizations in the community, but we’re also creating new opportunities for Denver residents and visitors to engage with the rich creative scene in the RiNo Art District,” said Alye Sharp, Executive Director, Programs & Partnerships at RiNo Art District. “We are incredibly proud to support such a diverse range of projects and events through our Creative Grant program, and we can't wait to see them come to life throughout 2024.”

More information on the individuals and organizations receiving funding in Q1 through the Creative Grant program can be found below:

• Comedians Talk Art | Sam Anzer — A creative content and marketing solution that collaborates with local art institutions to create authentic, high-quality videos for platforms like TikTok to engage new and younger audiences in conversations around art.
• Creative Strategies for Change Facilitator Workshop | Creative Strategies for Change (CSC) — The organization’s longest-running program, this workshop is a dynamic deep dive into CSC’s model, integrating Social Justice Frameworks, Arts Engagement, and Restorative Practices.
• Creative Wellness Artist Health & Wellness Fair | Chloé Duplessis — This one-day event will provide artists, makers, and creative entrepreneurs with access to essential health screenings and wellness resources, as well as healthy cooking demos and interactive fitness, yoga, and creative movement sessions.
• Father Featherbottom’s Forgotten Fairytales | Audacious Theatre — An interactive children’s show consisting of five original stories incorporating popular fairy tale characters to teach modern values including self-confidence, independence, honesty, emotional intelligence, consent, and teamwork.
• 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.
• Raw Groove Presents... | Connie Love — A vibrant cabaret-style event series celebrating the essence of nightlife and the richness of Black creativity. The organization’s premiere event, Raw Groove Presents: Life of the Party, is set for June 7, 2024 at Mercury Cafe as part of the Denver Fringe Festival.
• 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.
• 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.
• Summer 2024 Artist Residency | PlatteForum — Funding will support PlatteForum's summer 2024 resident artist, Lexy Ho-Tai, and 50 ArtLab Youth Interns. Together, they will collaborate with experienced creative professionals in video, sound, and embodiment to create an engaging mixed-media exhibition of large-scale monster suits, a performance-based, intergenerational “TV” segment, and a cultural block party.
• 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.