Castle Rock Council approves annual art and culture grant program for community engagement

The Castle Rock Town Council convened on May 6, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focusing on the proposed Art and Culture Grant Program. The meeting featured presentations from Maya Yates, a special project analyst in the Parks and Recreation Department, and Jen Perry, chair of the Public Art Commission.

Yates outlined the purpose of the grant program, which aims to enhance community engagement in arts and culture. The initiative, directed by the Town Council, will allow individuals and organizations to apply for funding to support various artistic endeavors. The program will be funded annually through the public art fund, with a total allocation of $85,000 available each year.

The proposed grant program includes three types of funding opportunities:

1. **Program Grants**: Up to five grants of $10,000 each will be available for nonprofit organizations to support community workshops, events, and performances.
2. **Project Grants**: These grants will be open to a broader range of applicants, including local businesses and artists, to fund projects like mural installations and artistic enhancements in educational settings.
3. **Educational Grants**: Aimed at public and private educators, these grants will support art supplies and projects for students from pre-kindergarten through high school.

Yates emphasized the importance of community involvement in the application process, stating that a review panel composed of town staff and Public Art Commission members will evaluate applications and make recommendations to the Town Council for final approval.

The council discussed the logistics of the grant process, including the requirement for applicants to demonstrate project feasibility and secure necessary approvals from property owners. The application period is set to open in May, with a deadline of July 18, and funding distribution planned for September.

Council members expressed support for the program, highlighting its potential to activate local artists and enhance community engagement in the arts. A motion to implement the grant program as proposed was passed unanimously.

In addition to the grant program, the council addressed a resolution regarding the prepayment of rentals under a lease agreement related to the financing of the Miller Activity Complex. This resolution was presented as a positive financial development, allowing the town to pay off the lease earlier than anticipated.

Overall, the meeting underscored the Town Council's commitment to fostering arts and culture within Castle Rock, alongside prudent financial management of town resources. The next steps include finalizing the grant program details and preparing for the upcoming application cycle.