40 West Arts & City of Arvada launch $225,000 Arvada Artist Relief Fund

The Arvada Arts and Culture Commission has selected 40 West Arts, a Colorado Certified Creative District and 501(c)3 nonprofit, to provide administration services for the Arvada Artist Relief Funds.

As part of its ongoing support of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Arvada will provide $225,000 to local artists as part of the Arvada Artist Relief Fund. The one-time grants of up to $3,000 will disperse funding received from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which recognizes that “the arts industry is an important sector of America’s economy.” 

The relief fund is intended to assist:

• Fine artists (visual, performing and literary), 18 years or older, currently living in Arvada for at least 1 year 

• Arts and culture non-profit organizations currently based in and serving Arvada for at least 1 year

“We are grateful for the opportunity to provide much needed support to our existing and blossoming arts community. We believe that artists and creatives of all types are key to the recovery and continued vibrancy of Arvada.” — Charise Canales, Staff Liaison to the Arvada Arts and Culture Commission.

The Arvada Artist Relief Fund supports individual artists living in Arvada who are experiencing immediate unforeseen emergency needs due to COVID-19, and whose incomes are being adversely affected due to cancellation of events, classes, performances and other creative work.

"As the west metros only certified arts district, we at 40 West Arts see ourselves as bigger than just one city; this is why we’re thrilled to partner with the City of Arvada to continue our mission to support local artists and the creative economy. This partnership is a conduit to expand resources to artists. We are thankful for this opportunity.” — Liz Black, Executive Director, 40 West Arts District.

Funding will be made available for artists that have ongoing creative endeavors through multiple disciplines including visual and digital art, film, music, other performance-based art and more. This program will prioritize low-income artists and artists who have no other source of income. However, all Arvada artists are encouraged to apply. 

Awardees will receive a one-time mini grant of up to $3,000 and a free, one-year membership to 40 West Arts.

Applications will be accepted Sept. 1-15, 2020. 

For more information on eligibility requirements and to apply, visit https://40westarts.org/arvadaartsrelieffund.