Arts commission approves 2025 project and operating grants; commissioners say many strong applications went unfunded

Boulder — The Boulder Arts Commission on June 25 approved a set of 2025 community project grants for individual artists, an expanded roster of general operating support (GOS) grants for area organizations and accepted two arts-education grant reports.

The commission voted to approve the following individual project grants recommended by the review panel: Julia Shawad, Nate Sorey, Aaron Preston, Graham Fuller and Abby Thomas. Commissioners discussed panel feedback that many applications were strong and the reviewers expressed disappointment they could not fund more artists.

Separately the commission approved general operating support awards to a larger group of local organizations following an adjustment to base funding this year; organizations named in the motion included (as presented at the meeting) Compass Renaissance, Open Studios, Boulder Symphony and Music Academy, RS Nova, Chamber Singers, Inc., Blue Principle, Turning the Wheel Productions Inc., Boulder Chamber Orchestra and Boulder Concert Band (the meeting packet listed additional organizations and staff confirmed awards were made according to the panel’s recommendations). Commissioners noted the panel used a score threshold for GOS recommendations.

The commission also accepted two arts‑education grant reports: Catamounts (referred to in meeting materials) and Colorado Shakespeare Festival. Commissioners praised both programs for nimble programming and work in schools; some members asked for more detail on how partner schools were selected.

During discussion, panelists and commissioners raised common themes from the review process: a need for clearer project definitions (project-based versus ongoing operations) and better applicant training on measurable goals and evaluation. Staff said the department will host an additional grant-writing workshop for applicants on Aug. 21 that will focus on preparing narratives and measurable goals specifically for the Arts & Culture grant program.

Motions to approve the individual project grants and the operating support grants passed during the meeting by voice vote; commissioners indicated the votes were unanimous on the motions recorded in the meeting. Staff said panels may revisit ranked lists if additional funding becomes available; commissioners requested staff report back if supplemental funds permit additional awards.