City of Boulder Invites Applications for Experiments in Public Art and Creative Neighborhoods Project Funding

The City of Boulder is opening two separate calls for unique arts funding opportunities: Experiments in Public Art and Creative Neighborhoods. While each program has a distinct focus, both aim to strengthen community connections and enrich civic life by activating underused spaces, celebrating neighborhood identity, and fostering cultural vibrancy throughout the city.

Experiments in Public Artchallenges artists to think beyond traditional formats by transforming Boulder into a creative laboratory. The program funds temporary, community-centered art projects that push boundaries, use unconventional materials, support civic dialogue, and create immersive experiences in public spaces. These projects provide opportunities for artists to respond to local priorities, such as climate resilience and cultural equity, and animate Boulder's public spaces.

Selected projects may receive up to $9,500 in funding. Proposals should reflect the program's guiding goals of advancing cultural equity, promoting environmental sustainability, supporting resilience, activating underused spaces, and fostering collaboration among artists, community members and local partners. Applications are open now through Sunday, Sept. 28 and must be submitted via Café.

Creative Neighborhoodsempowers residents to bring art directly into their own communities through resident-led, artist-supported projects. From murals and music to storytelling events, pop-up libraries, and more, these projects celebrate Boulder's diverse voices while enhancing neighborhood resilience and social cohesion.

Grants of up to $5,000 are available. Applications open Wednesday, Sept. 10 and will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to proposals from Palo Park, Southeast Boulder, East Boulder, and Gunbarrel - areas not represented in the program's previous cycle.

"These programs invite artists and neighbors to reimagine what's possible in Boulder's public spaces and neighborhoods," said Aaron Brockett, City of Boulder Mayor. "They transform everyday places into galleries, stages and creative outlets - spaces for joy and inspiration. At the same time, they encourage imaginative responses to the social, environmental and economic challenges we face together."

To support the understanding of both Experiments in Public Art and Creative Neighborhoods, the Community Vitality Department's Office of Arts and Culture will host three virtual question and answer sessions in September 2025. Staff will be available during this time to provide answers to questions about both programs. Please RSVP for these sessions.

• Experiments in Public Art Session 1: Wednesday, Sept. 10 from 6 to 7 p.m.
• Creative Neighborhoods Session: Tuesday, Sept. 16 from 6 to 7 p.m.
• Experiments in Public Art Session 2: Tuesday, Sept. 23 from 6 to 7 p.m.

For full details on either program or application instructions, visit BoulderArts.org.

Image Credit: Mural by Patrick Maxcy