[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6262296,"mediaKeyId","3115622-cf3292c193c99290f4a2c1ca2861db23","parentId",3115622,"title","Boulder Arts Commission approves annual general operating support grants, adds SPARK fee waivers to program","audioSeconds",1309,"startMs",1559000,"endMs",2868000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3115622-cf3292c193c99290f4a2c1ca2861db23&start=1559&end=2868","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3115622-cf3292c193c99290f4a2c1ca2861db23/thumbnail_1559000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6262296/Boulder/Boulder-County/Colorado/Boulder-Arts-Commission-approves-annual-general-operating-support-grants-adds-SPARK-fee-waivers-to-program","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6262296-c78d06a78535a5ac8b0396d1219958fe/orig.mp4?Expires=1770873036&Signature=b3syGR7D-vi7IdvbiQzgNlEIuHtkv46Q26eab8bV4LQp8WxOv6UBS60yeNCr5XIjr7LXEPRqXfQ8PL18fAJT9mUamy~RYt9w8FnqS9Tif95V~zQaIoCbN7dFLlA5HKEjMI-Isve9jv04gwn29QvqfxubEBb24IItIgMXtrmJeEF3EV7TMj6KvSaeDaxChAKroDIDDp10mPH2Zz1M4djPUcS0FhPyyXoz3XwwdHMBjBqXribsuF3wemPmGLYcc1E2JO~UOBoV3DB~stXwWPEbE3HBUA7wRVIAs5Sf8-16DxkbRSaODSwi1N0CPbT6Tc8EPkPhldwUDr17pa8T23hZ1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Boulder City, CO","date","2025-04-25T00:40:11.83Z","article","The Boulder Arts Commission voted April 23 to approve a slate of one-year general operating support (GOS) grants recommended by the review panel and to add a SPARK performing-arts fee-waiver program to the commission’s grants offerings.

The votes implement the panel’s recommendations across organization-size tiers — extra-large, large, mid-size and small — using the commission’s available funding for this cycle. The commission also approved incorporation of 12 annual fee waivers, proposed by the SPARK performing-arts community, into the Boulder Arts Commission grants program; applicants may apply for up to two fee waivers per year.

Why it matters: The GOS program provides operating dollars to local arts organizations and helps sustain programming during an interim funding year while the city develops the Boulder Arts Blueprint. The SPARK fee-waiver adoption adds a pathway for event organizers to reduce venue or permitting costs tied to community arts programming.

What the commission approved: The panel recommended awards in each size tier based on its scoring rubric and equity adjustments. Staff presented the panel’s recommended lists and the commission approved them by motion. The only organization explicitly named in the extra-large award on the meeting record was Roots Music Project Foundation; the panel recommended it receive an extra-large GOS award. Commissioners then approved lists of recommended recipients in the large, mid-size and small categories per the panel’s packet. The commission also approved staff’s recommendation to incorporate the SPARK fee-waiver allocation into the grants program; staff will administer the fee waivers as part of existing program rules.

Process and next steps: Staff said the awards are for one year while the city completes the Arts Blueprint; the panel used a rubric that included an “encouragement” point for first-time applicants. Staff also said they are pursuing additional city funding through the regular adjustment-to-base budget process. Some commissioners asked follow-up questions about how contributed income affected scoring and the comparative fairness of awarding in categories with few applicants; staff and commissioners noted such questions can be raised with the review panel.

Votes at a glance:
- Roots Music Project Foundation — general operating support (extra-large category). Outcome: approved (motion carried). Motion text (as read at the meeting): \"All of the Roots Music Project Foundation will be awarded a general upgrade of support grant.\" Mover/second: staff motion/second recorded. (Panel packet and meeting minutes: details in commission packet.)
- Large-, mid-size-, and small-organization award lists — panel-recommended recipients (lists in commission packet). Outcome: approved (motions carried). Motion text: staff presented panel lists; commissioners moved to approve the recommended awards for each tier. Mover/second: motions made and seconded during the meeting; formal tallies were recorded as \"all in favor\" for each motion. (Individual award amounts and full recipient lists are recorded in the commission packet.)
- SPARK performing-arts fee-waivers (12 waivers per year) added to the commission grants program. Outcome: approved (motion carried). Motion text (as read): \"Will we approve the adoption of the SPARK fee waivers into the Boulder Arts Commission grants program?\" Staff will administer waivers under existing program rules.

What the record shows and what is not specified: The meeting packet contains the detailed award lists and the panel scoring; the spoken meeting record did not cite individual dollar amounts for every listed grantee on the public transcript excerpt. Where organizational names or counts were unclear in the live transcription, the commission packet is the authoritative source. Commissioners noted particular cases where contributed (donor) income and earned income differed sharply between applicants and said that difference could affect perceived equity under the current rubric.

Implementation: Staff will proceed with award notifications and incorporate the SPARK fee-waiver mechanism into the grants program workflow. Staff also said the city’s adjustment-to-base budget process will be used if additional funding is requested.

Meeting context: The grants discussion included detailed panel comments and multiple commissioner questions. Commissioners emphasized oversight, fairness across size tiers and opportunities to follow up with the review panel on scoring questions.

Ending: The commission thanked the panel and staff for their work and moved to the next agenda item.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","4-23-25 Boulder Arts Comission","oneSentenceSummary","The Boulder Arts Commission voted April 23 to approve a slate of one-year general operating support grants and to add SPARK performing-arts fee waivers to its grants program.","taxTitle","Boulder, Boulder County, Colorado","taxId",3386,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6262285,"Boulder Arts Week wrap-up: more than 200 occurrences, awards added to spotlight local events",238,6540000,6778000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3115622-cf3292c193c99290f4a2c1ca2861db23&start=6540&end=6778","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3115622-cf3292c193c99290f4a2c1ca2861db23/thumbnail_6540000.jpg","/articles/6262285/Boulder/Boulder-County/Colorado/Boulder-Arts-Week-wrap-up-more-than-200-occurrences-awards-added-to-spotlight-local-events","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6262285-34aa8877124b5f3ceaf3b20e07e4dd08/orig.mp4?Expires=1770873036&Signature=E56NqPVY0Rbc8JMOpzOBzs0JmDW6QY4GLAZQUWHDxNPGI2SzeixcQWAHDhlxZtx9auVx1-yI0lA2jI3lm3sE9Cv0WqpmJv05BSqMkfLLeXdNVipLMl4eBIi1eFzfouslKoaRHK2fsvhOmNBoI0NdYMY~cEwDDzqyZKpGmnqFfaBA7iJu6HGKuqU8VZSRH0Uvx5MNz2GYHUvJfRAyxAWyZE4c2Z6159FFh-vt21KVzZAmvQ4U9rLco3jzV5IL9wvrGUKSmWeo0uEVirBF4wk4P5DWcnzFd6L7kfpo3~KGktg2zOPf5yfmOTI56GLcNLBdk3ym8FdLg0DOOP7aDvL1Uw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City arts staff reported to the Boulder Arts Commission on April 23 that Boulder Arts Week (which concluded April 12) recorded more than 200 event occurrences across music, theater, visual art, film and other activities and that organizers launched an inaugural set of Boulder Arts Week awards.

Key points: Staff said most respondents reported event attendance between 10 and 150 people and that many events drew new participants because of Arts Week. Staff also noted some newcomer concerns about event density (several events occurring simultaneously, especially on First Friday) and requested improved individual-event promotion for future years.

Awards and recognition: Staff described five awards introduced in the first year of the program, including a People’s Choice award open to public voting during Arts Week; the People’s Choice winner was Blue Dawn Cabaret. Other award categories included business champion and innovation awards; staff said local artists were commissioned to design original glass trophies for winners.

Outreach and promotion: Staff summarized publicity plans (ads in Boulder Weekly, radio spots on KGNU and a video recap) and said they will add Arts Week events to the Boulder County Arts Alliance calendar tag to improve discoverability. Staff also said the week highlighted opportunities for collaboration between artists and businesses.

Ending: The commission thanked staff and partners and encouraged broader promotion and better distribution of event promotion in future years.","Staff reported on Boulder Arts Week, noting over 200 event occurrences across disciplines and announcing inaugural Boulder Arts Week awards including a People’s Choice award won by Blue Dawn Cabaret. Staff said most events reported 10–150 attendees and that the week increased visibility for participating artists and organizations.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6262289,"City staff presents 2024–25 artist census: affordability, space and visibility top concerns",1751,4201000,5952000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3115622-cf3292c193c99290f4a2c1ca2861db23&start=4201&end=5952","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3115622-cf3292c193c99290f4a2c1ca2861db23/thumbnail_4201000.jpg","/articles/6262289/Boulder/Boulder-County/Colorado/City-staff-presents-202425-artist-census-affordability-space-and-visibility-top-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6262289-35f96230d238d3e2c47449b97b96450b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770873036&Signature=PHjS~3q6KzPOmQNR1~LDWcb28syqBqUaExzlPW0HIIQrHjWF1Kpr2XCc2bNIogeQ3HmLTfyft5k8Fcrr94kHpYDeVFhezSrv5CUsjyBtTSA4Y4PLqOAgQzouEfu-bduXFv6o44PUAY~2E9TLiG01cyKOCJaQgA2P6sT8nFqBMR3gYfsWq82ngnsqbeB2jxSY5Kv-K7mW89h8OGMhXRWuoz-5FxPYED1CG-E3~~8Qrj8Pja6Tyyd2fd~YDyYtm06~ARRD0LEgg0aa7DE2KMRD2mqtz5vAjDNuEa0Y94Lk1r726mUA9SMWRkJlU8nMntaNuWabI82KcKvhuJqy4Tvf5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City of Boulder arts staff presented the results of an artist census and focus groups completed in 2024, telling the Boulder Arts Commission on April 23 that respondents cite financial strain, the high cost of space and limited visibility or information about opportunities as the sector’s principal challenges.

What staff reported: The Office of Arts and Culture said 326 creatives completed the questionnaire and about 38 artists participated in focus groups. Staff compared demographic responses to a prior census cycle and said the 2024 outreach reached more younger respondents and more people identifying as transgender or non-binary; staff cautioned that respondent pools differ across cycles and that results reflect who completed the questionnaire rather than every artist in Boulder.

Key findings summarized by staff included:
- Financial pressure: A larger share of respondents fell below a minimum living-wage threshold after adjusting for inflation; 26% said financial challenges had caused them to go without basic needs in the prior year, with medical care the most-cited need.
- Space constraints: Many respondents rely on home studios or have no regular workspace; affordability of studio and live-work space is a major concern and some artists reported moving out of Boulder to find affordable rents.
- Visibility and connection: Artists requested centralized information, better cross-disciplinary networking and support for arts hubs. Staff noted promising local examples (the Dairy Arts Center, Roots Music Project, Novo Arts District) and suggested methods used in other cities for support.

Comparative research and next steps: The presentation compared Boulder to peer cities (Austin, Asheville, Santa Fe) that have dedicated cultural districts, artist grants and other supports; staff emphasized the census will inform the Boulder Arts Blueprint and the final report and appendices will be posted publicly. Staff also said they will continue artist meetups, convene cultural-organization summits, and integrate the findings into grant- and space-related work.

Publication and outreach: Staff said a full 53-page report with appendices will be posted on the Office of Arts and Culture website and staff will share findings with city departments and local partners (Downtown Boulder Partnership, local business and philanthropic networks). Staff also noted wording choices (\"artist\" vs. \"creative\") and outreach phrasing as items to refine for future cycles.

Ending: Commissioners and staff discussed outreach, participation barriers for immigrant communities and ways to increase attendance at artist meetups and events; staff will use the results to inform the Arts Blueprint and program planning.","City staff summarized findings from an artist census and focus groups completed in 2024, reporting financial strain, lack of affordable studio/ live-work space and limited public awareness as recurring challenges. The report will feed the Boulder Arts Blueprint and be published with supporting appendices.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6262293,"Commission recommends artist team Becky Waring Steel and Shannon Geiss for Boulder Valley comprehensive-plan public-art project",880,2878000,3758000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3115622-cf3292c193c99290f4a2c1ca2861db23&start=2878&end=3758","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3115622-cf3292c193c99290f4a2c1ca2861db23/thumbnail_2878000.jpg","/articles/6262293/Boulder/Boulder-County/Colorado/Commission-recommends-artist-team-Becky-Waring-Steel-and-Shannon-Geiss-for-Boulder-Valley-comprehensive-plan-public-art-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6262293-c00ffaafcafe61249f6446d3fc0c6c4e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770873036&Signature=gni9~kVI~sdFLrG4sbEuY3kn2wkxesEeT4Stm-F7UBHVsREIp4~nY15rpF2eWPrCszXN9ANK-NM5kGZ1MOfZhNc4E7dlqNHNcqWupG7153kshHlMlCV~jEIk97jXgNT60wXN4AgmwzZT1drM5rdXBu15aJaW6o2uCes7w3x6-Pn~mo-xnbOk-DotJ3~pJoGu2WBQNnRyxJnjbmAkgkgBo3Y93ZMSqSZ4YqTULJhFV2kiYZCE52~Zt2txGBtvWN1RqQ2IydxuN7sZE8KLCZJ2rgC8FbXZqew4enRcqIFUHpySt2-h8uLwwFl9BjO9OOIJ4B5TaW0f-zi9MCy2OcMCDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Boulder Arts Commission on April 23 recommended the selection panel’s top choice — artists Becky Waring Steel and Shannon Geiss — to the city manager for a $20,000 experiments-in-public-art commission. The project will produce a temporary, indoor public-art installation and related community engagement tied to the Boulder Valley comprehensive plan assembly.

Why it matters: The city’s comprehensive-plan process is assembling a 48-person community assembly to study land-use concepts such as 15-minute neighborhoods. The experiments-in-public-art commission is designed to translate and interpret assembly outcomes into accessible, community-facing art and programming.

Panel findings and selection: Staff and the standing public-art selection panel evaluated 21 submissions and shortlisted three finalists. Panel notes, as presented to commissioners, praised Becky Waring Steel and Shannon Geiss for strong alignment with the call’s goals, feasibility for the tight timeline, and a concept combining sculpture with recorded storytelling (described in the packet as \"personal geographies\"). Other finalists proposed community mosaics and audio-based tin-can-telephone installations; the panel raised feasibility questions about outdoor or semi-permanent components given Boulder weather and permitting.

Vote and next step: A commissioner moved that the process was properly conducted and that the Becky Waring Steel and Shannon Geiss team be recommended to the city manager for approval. The commission voted unanimous in favor and staff will request city-manager approval and finalize a project plan, schedule and indoor venue for the temporary installation.

Implementation details: The commission briefed that the budget for the project is $20,000 and that the artist’s first step will be a project plan and schedule; the installation will be temporary and is expected to include an indoor exhibition and recorded audio elements. Exact venue and dates are to be determined; staff will coordinate with the planning department and community-assembly schedule.

Meeting context: The selection discussion included panel feedback on community engagement approaches and feasibility constraints. Commissioners asked about accessibility, supervision of interactive pieces and how the artist will coordinate with the assembly’s outreach plan. The selection motion asked staff to recommend the team to the city manager.

Ending: The commission approved the recommendation and staff will present the recommendation and project plan to the city manager for final authorization.","The Boulder Arts Commission recommended an artist team to the city manager for a $20,000 experiments-in-public-art commission tied to the Boulder Valley comprehensive plan community assembly. The selection panel favored the team of Becky Waring Steel and Shannon Geiss for alignment, feasibility and community-engagement plan.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Boulder Arts Commission approves annual general operating support grants, adds SPARK fee waivers to program

Boulder Arts Week wrap-up: more than 200 occurrences, awards added to spotlight local events

City staff presents 2024–25 artist census: affordability, space and visibility top concerns

Commission recommends artist team Becky Waring Steel and Shannon Geiss for Boulder Valley comprehensive-plan public-art project