Summer 2024 | Creative Opportunities in Colorado
Union Hall seeks to make professional creative opportunities accessible to the public and support the development of the arts in the state of Colorado. This list was created for those who are looking to broaden their experiences, get more eyes on their work, focus on their practice, or acquire funding for creative projects. Scroll down to view opportunities in the categories of fellowships & residencies, calls for entry, and grants. The calls for entry section contains availability in the areas of public art and exhibitions.
Some of the deadlines are right around the corner! While this list focuses on opportunities with deadlines in the summertime, many of the residences and exhibitions do not take place until later in the year, or until 2025. Be sure to check all of the activity dates for each opportunity before applying.
This is a living blog; check back regularly for additions or changes. Union Hall is not affiliated with the organizations listed on this blog. For specific questions regarding content on this list please contact the organizations directly.
Residencies
//
Fellowships
//
Residencies // Fellowships //
Breck Create’s Artist-in-Residence Program
Rolling Deadline | Breckinridge
Eligibility: regional and national
Duration: 2-4 months
Financial Support: biweekly stipend of $600 to cover expenses
This program offers regional and national artists of all disciplines an opportunity to focus on process rather than product while engaging with the local community in a meaningful way. Artists will live/work in a studio in the Breckenridge Arts District, an intimate campus of historic structures. Residents will identify and collaborate with a community partner or organization on educational programs as well as participate in on-campus events and open studios.
Willowtail Arts & Ecology Residency
Rolling Deadline | Mancos
Eligibility: local, national and international applicants
Duration: 1 or 2 weeks
Financial Support: Apply for full or partial scholarships
This residency has rolling deadlines and residency dates, so there’s some flexibility built into it. Applicants must be an emerging, established or mid-career practitioner in the visual arts, performing arts, film/multimedia, literature, music, ecology or natural sciences. Following the residency, participants must deliver a “community offering” within one year — this could be a lecture, an exhibition, or something else.
RedLine Artist-in-Residency Program
Deadline to apply is July 1, 2024 | Denver
Eligibility: local, national and international applicants
Duration: 2 years
Financial Support: Fully subsidized studio spaces
RedLine offers 2 year residencies for 15-18 emerging, contemporary Colorado artists. After two rounds of jury reviews, selected applicants will receive mentorship, career development, exposure to unique opportunities supported by RedLine’s open studio format as well as fully-subsidized studio spaces for the duration of two years, beginning in the fall. This residency allows artists to work in close proximity to their peers to foster community, networking, and collaboration.
Journey to Publication Writing Fellowship
Deadline to apply is July 31, 2024
Availability: up to 5
Eligibility: Must be living or working in or writing about the Colorado River Basin
Duration: 6 months
Financial Support: $3,000 stipend each
Administered by Planet Women — a start-up environmental nonprofit that partners with women to create a healthy planet for all life — this fellowship is open to all Indigenous women writing fiction and non-fiction ages 18 and up living in or working on environmental and social justice issues related to the Colorado River Basin. The Fellowship matches mentors from the publishing industry with writers. By the program’s conclusion, Fellows will have a manuscript, a plan to publish, and a marketing strategy so that they may successfully pitch their work to agents and publishers.
The use of “women” includes cisgender women, femme/feminine-identifying, Two Spirit, trans, genderqueer, and non-binary individuals who have historically been excluded from the environmental space.
Call For Entry
//
Call For Entry //
Mural - Steinbaugh Pavilion
Deadline to apply is June 20, 2024
Type: Public Art
Eligibility: Regional
Budget: $12,000
The City of Louisville, Colorado seeks to commission an original mural for the stage of the City’s Steinbaugh Pavilion. This mural is intended to serve as an artistic backdrop to the many events that take place at the Steinbaugh Pavilion and a draw for visitors who will see it as an iconic background for their Louisville photos. Proposals are open to emerging and established artists living and working along the Colorado Front Range, especially the Denver/Boulder metro region.
NCECA 2025 Annual Exhibition: True and Real
Deadline to apply is June 20, 2024
Type: Exhibition
Eligibility: International
Entry fee: $50.00 (Non-Member)
True and Real seeks ceramic artists and artworks that highlight issues that resonate with the complexities of the current condition…the concerns, fears, and issues that create a common ground to which we can all relate. Curator Judith S. Schwartz explains that this century is defined by immense technological, social, and environmental change. This exhibition’s intent is to showcase how the arts can convey personal values and the social condition. Applicants must be over 18 years of age and not currently enrolled for a degree in higher education.
The House of Medusa
Deadline to apply is June 21, 2024
Type: Exhibition
Eligibility: Local
Entry fee: none
Unlock a unique opportunity to showcase your art in a summer group show, The House of Medusa, at Benchmark Theater in Lakewood, CO. This exhibition seeks works relating to themes of autonomy, the dark feminine, vulnerability, and fearlessness, through the lens of the symbolic serpent. This exhibition challenges the ancient demonization of snakes and celebrates our right to determine our own destinies despite societal stigma. Submit 2D artworks, paintings, or any hangable pieces. The opening reception will include a live snake exhibit, courtesy of the curator, Zaida Sever.
Mugshot: Artistic Drinking Vessels
Deadline to apply is June 23, 2024
Type: Exhibition
Eligibility: International
Entry Fee: $10.00
The Arvada Center of Arts and Humanities is seeking artists to submit their favorite original, handmade mugs and will be accepting 250 - 350 mugs for inclusion of this exhibition. They are looking for pieces that demonstrate exemplary creativity, experimentation, and imagination. Non-functional and non-traditional pieces are eligible. This international exhibition will be juried by three Arvada Center jurors, and artists will receive 60% of any sale proceeds.
21st ArtWear Biennial: Where Fashion Meets Fine Art
Deadline to apply is June 25, 2024
Type: Exhibition
Eligibility: National
Entry Fee: $25.00
Awards: $1,000 Grand Prize
This week-long event in Fort Collins includes a fashion show, sales gallery, and other fiber art and wearable art programs. The City of Fort Collins is seeking artists who create wearable art in all media and styles including garments, ensembles, hats, scarves, and handbags. The goal of this event is to present and sell innovative and wearable work of the highest quality and provide a forum to share enthusiasm for an exploration of techniques and materials. The City of Fort Collins will retain a 40% commission on all sales.
ON EDGE
Deadline to apply is June 28, 2024
Type: Exhibition
Eligibility: Regional
Entry fee: $35.00
Awards: $250 Juror's Choice Award
ON EDGE is an annual juried exhibition of contemporary work by artists residing in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region who are pushing the boundaries of material and concept in any media. EDGE Gallery takes a 30% commission on anything sold through the show. Works are selected through a blind jury process. This year’s honorary juror is Jim Robischon, owner and director of Robischon Gallery in Denver.
Western City Campus - Plaza Public Art Project
Deadline to apply is June 28, 2024
Type: Public Art
Eligibility: International
Budget: $300,000
The Boulder Public Art Program seeks an artist to create one site specific or several site specific artworks to be integrated into the new Western City Campus Plaza. They ask that this original work of art be playful, welcoming, kid-friendly, and provide a cultural connection to the campus. The selection panel is especially interested in artists who can demonstrate an understanding of the area’s history, landscape, and culture.
Western City Campus - Lobby and Atrium Public Art Project
Deadline to apply is June 28, 2024
Type: Public Art
Eligibility: International
Budget: $450,000
The Boulder Public Art Program is also seeking to an artist or team of artists to create two original works of three-dimensional suspended art for the Pavilion Lobby and Parking Garage Atrium of Western City Campus. This work will be the dynamic gateway to Western City Campus’ new affordable and market-rate homes. They ask that these works have a connection to the natural world with distinct and dynamic daytime and nighttime presence.
Western City Campus - Parking Garage Stairwell Public Art Project
Deadline to apply is June 28, 2024
Type: Public Art
Eligibility: Local
Budget: $100,000
Another Western City Campus opportunity available to artists working in the Boulder area Garage Stairwell public art project. The proposed two-dimensional work should serve as a gateway to the campus from the parking garage and be visible from the street. The Boulder Public Art Program hopes that this work will engage with the community to create a welcoming atmosphere and a sense of belonging through storytelling.
Call for Original Artwork Images for Publication
Deadline to apply is June 30, 2024
Type: Award
Eligibility: International
Award: Up to $3,000
Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) is selecting up to ten two and three-dimensional artworks that will enhance their annual reports and communications and reflect their mission of transforming energy systems to be more clean and sustainable. These works will be distributed both in print and in digital formats to global donors, businesses and government leaders. No AI, sound, video, or performance art is accepted. RMI will not be purchasing these artworks but paying the artist for the rights to use the images of their artwork.
The Lab on Santa Fe in Downtown Denver is seeking original artwork for their gallery which is frequented and gets its most art sales during their First Friday Art Crawls. The Lab asks why your work is original and what that means to you. Artists accepted receive 53% commission on any sale of their work.
Garrison Street Mural
Deadline to apply is July 3, 2024
Type: Public Art
Eligibility: Local
Budget: $38,175
The City of Arvada’s Arts & Culture Commission is seeking visual artists 18+ and currently living in Colorado to design and paint a mural on a city-owned site. The Flower Street Folks Neighborhood Group hopes that this mural in the underpass will bring more art to the neighborhood that promotes community connection, identity and pride. The neighborhood hopes to also be a part of this mural painting process for a portion of the work. The finalists who are not awarded the commission will be given an honorarium of $250.
Abstracted Realms: A Modern Interpretation of Landscapes
Deadline to apply is July 3, 2024
Type: Exhibition
Eligibility: Local
Entry Fee: $25.00
The Gallery at FDC invites Denver artists to submit work that stretches conventional norms for the Landscape genre. All two dimensional work is welcome and must be original (no prints). Once selected, there will be cash prizes of Best of Show ($500), People's Choice (as chosen by those in attendance at the opening reception, $250) and 2 Honorable Mentions ($100 each). Artists keep 100% of sales.
Colorado Folk Tales and Icons
Deadline to apply is July 6, 2024
Type: Exhibition
Eligibility: Local
Application Fee: $5 - $10
40 West Gallery in Denver is seeking artists with work that speaks to Colorado’s unique legends, mysteries, tall tales and icons for an exhibition that reflects Colorado’s rich culture and history. This exhibition is open to all professional and amateur artists and all mediums are welcome. Artists are invited to submit up to four hanging OR three 3-D works via email for consideration and will be reviewed by a jury. 40 West is unable to accept mailed artwork, you must be able to drop off your artwork. 40 West Arts will retain a 15% commission on all works sold.
Palisade Art Vision, PAV, 9th Annual Public Sculpture Exhibit
Deadline to apply is July 9, 2024
Type: Public Art
Eligibility: Regional
Awards: stipends ranging from $350 - $800
The Palisade Art Vision (PAV) is seeking regional artists with a connection to Colorado to create an outdoor sculpture that promotes visible aesthetics that compliment the agritourism of Palisade. This juried public work should be a sculpture created in the round and conform to one of their three size options: Small (11" base or smaller) for a wheelchair ramp; Pedestal (22" base or smaller) for their metal and unique wine barrel pedestals; Larger sidewalk or plaza (mounted directly to the sidewalk or plaza).
2024 Regional Fine Art Show
Deadline to apply is July 10, 2024
Type: Exhibition
Eligibility: Regional
Entry Fee: $45.00
Media Fee: $10.00
The Lincoln Gallery and the Thompson Valley Art League invite artists to submit their work into the 2024 Regional Fine Art Show juried by Michael Margin. Work submitted should adhere to one of these six categories: Oil, Mixed Media, Pastel / Drawing, Watercolor, 3-D / Sculpture, or Acrylic. Once selected, there will be cash awards for Best of Show and 1st and 2nd place in each category.
Brighton Volunteerism Sculpture
Deadline to apply is July 12, 2024
Type: Proposal
Eligibility: Regional
Budget: $65,000
The Brighton Cultural Arts Commission is requesting proposals from professional artists to design and install a sculpture in Carmichael Park located in Brighton Colorado. This original sculpture will celebrate the volunteers of Brighton in a unique way to commemorate their service to the city and community. They require each artist to have past experience with completed large scale sculpture projects.
Day of the Dead
Deadline to apply is June 13, 2024
Type: Exhibition
Eligibility: National
Entry Fee: $20.00
Parker Arts is looking for artwork that represents the celebration of Day of the Dead in painting, sculpture, photography, installations, traditional carvings, and more. All of these works will be shown indoors. Parker Arts takes a 20% commission on sold work. Artists are responsible for the cost of shipping both ways.
METALmorphosis: The Art of Transformation
Deadline to apply is July 15, 2024
Type: Exhibition
Eligibility: National
Entry Fee: $40.00 (non-members)
In partnership with the Colorado Metalsmithing Association (CoMA), The Art Students League of Denver (ASLD) invites all artists working in metals to participate in their show The Art of Transformation which highlights the amazing qualities of metal and the transformative process of metalwork. Sculptural work and wearable work will be considered if they are made of 60% metal and can be multi-disciplined. ASLD retains a 40% commission on sales.
Artburst Studios: “Fancy That” An Online Art Show Opportunity
Deadline to apply is July 17, 2024
Type: Exhibition
Eligibility: International
Entry Fee: $30.00
Artburst Studios in Denver is hosting an online art show, one of many they host throughout the year, each show lasting less than 72 hours. This online show is meant to promote community between artists and art patrons as well as promote opportunities for increased exposure, followers, and sales for the artists involved. The upcoming show, “Fancy That,” will showcase 35 artists, each with 10-12 original pieces, created specifically for the show (based on their own loose interpretation of the theme).
2024 Louisville Art Association National Fine Art Show and Sale
Deadline to apply is July 17, 2024
Type: Exhibition
Eligibility: National
Entry Fee: $45.00
Awards: prizes ranging from $100 - $600
The 2024 National Fine Arts Show and Sale is taking place in Louisville, Colorado and is seeking all artwork to be displayed in the Louisville Center for the Arts during its 3-day long event. All art is welcome with the exception of video, installation, and photography. This show will be juried by Chuck Ceraso.
"Color Out Of Space" — Cosmic themed group art show
Deadline to apply is July 23, 2024
Type: Exhibition
Eligibility: National
Entry Fee: $20.00
Second Submission: $20.00
This project is open to artists and artist teams residing in the state of Colorado. Artwork should embrace the powerful connections between wildlife, plant life and humans. Artwork should be approachable and fun and serve as a destination where trail users can gather. Artworks could be created using diverse media, including, but not limited to: reliefs, sound elements and sculptural applications.
Atomic Age
Deadline to apply is July 24 - 26, 10 AM to 4 PM ; July 27, 10 AM to 2PM
Type: Exhibition
Entry Fee: $30.00
The Atomic Age refers to the end of WWII spanning to the space race. Cottonwood Center for the Arts asks artists to use the aesthetic of the Atomic Age as a point of inspiration/departure to express an idea or composition pertinent to their experience. All work submitted must have been finished within two years of intake dates. All mediums will be accepted. Previously exhibited works will not be accepted. Please refer to their website’s show entry guidelines.
Y/OUR Denver 2024 Photo Competition: Denver Through Time
Deadline to apply is July 26, 2024
Type: Online exhibition
Entry Fee: $10
The Denver Architecture Foundation (DAF) and the Colorado Photographic Arts Center (CPAC) invite photographers of all skill levels to submit new or older images of architectural spaces in Denver for this juried competition. All forms of architectural imagery are welcome: black & white, color, exterior, interiors, landscape architecture, and detail images. The show will be juried by James Florio, a Montana-based photographer focused on the built environment and life surrounding it.
2024 Holiday Fine Art Market
Deadline to apply is July 28, 2024
Type: Exhibition
Eligibility: Regional
Entry Fee: $35.00
The Arvada Center is hosting the 38th Annual Fine Art Market. The Market functions as a fundraiser for the Arvada Center as well as a unique shopping experience during the holiday season with over 100 artists working in a variety of mediums. The Market will be arranged like an exhibition with multiple works by each participating artist on display in the Main Gallery. Artists will retain 60% of sales while the Arvada Center will receive 40%.
Main Street Gallery Fine Art Show & Sale
Deadline to apply is August 1, 2024
Type: Exhibition
Eligibility: Regional
Entry Fee: $35.00
Awards: $1,200 cash
The Main Street Gallery in Brighton, CO is hosting the 2024 Fine Art Show and Sale and is seeking art for the event in Brighton, Colorado. Juried by Sheri Farabaugh, the original work should fall into one of the six categories: Oil, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Watercolor, Pastel, or Drawing/Scratchboard. All accepted artwork must be Hand Delivered to gallery. Photography, Digital and/or AI Artwork will not be excepted or included.
The exhibition “Drumstick,” pays homage to the origin of the 40 West Art’s building - the restaurant Drumstick. 40 West invites artists to submit work that interprets Drumstick’s history or utilizes chickens. All mediums and levels of experience are welcome. You must be able to drop off your artwork at 40 West Gallery in Denver.
Art on the Corner 2024 Temporary Outdoor Exhibit
Deadline to apply is August 4, 2024
Type: Public Art
Eligibility: Regional
Awards: $1,000 honorarium
Art on the Corner is a rotating sculpture project and is seeking 3D art to be displayed in historic downtown Grand Junction for a year. Juried by George Turner & Justin Squier, the show values quality, permanence, compatibility, and public safety. All artists who are accepted will receive an honorarium after installation. There will also be cash awards for Best in Show and People’s Choice.
Margins
Deadline to apply is August 13, 2024
Type: Exhibition
Eligibility: National
Entry Fee: $35.00
Core Art Space in Denver invites artists to explore the liminal space of the margin. Artists should consider what a margin is, what it enforces, and different ways you can interpret it. All artists of any 2D or 3D medium are welcome to apply, except video/installation. This exhibition will be juried by Colorado artist Joe Higgins.
This free Chicken Sculpture Contest will be taking place during 40 West Gallery’s “Drumstick” Exhibition and Colfax Chicken Fest. 40 West invites artists to submit chicken sculptures of any medium and no larger than 24” in any direction. This contest will have prizes awarded and be on display for the month of September.
2024 Huerta Urbana Farmer's Market
Deadline to apply is July 30, 2024
Type: Performance
Entry Fee: Free
Athena Project is seeking artists for 15-minute pop-up performances at the Huerta Urbana Farmer's Market. Singer/songwriters, soloists, duos, dancers, poets, stand-up comedians, and spoken word artists of ALL AGES are encouraged to apply. Athena Project is especially interested in showcasing performances by women, transgender, and nonbinary artists.
"Westwood Redeemer" Community Grand Opening
Deadline to apply is August 10, 2024
Type: Performance
Entry Fee: Free
Athena Project is seeking family-friendly performers for the opening of the new Westwood Redeemer building. Singer/songwriters, soloists, duos, dancers, poets, stand-up comedians, and spoken word artists of ALL AGES are encouraged to apply. They are especially interested in performers who live or work in the Westwood neighborhood.
Denver Performing Arts Complex
Deadline to apply is August 12, 2024
Type: Public Art
Eligibility: International
Budget: $387,000
Denver Public Art seeks to commission an artist or artist team to create original public artwork for the Denver Performing Arts Complex. This dynamic public artwork should invite people into the building and be engaging for a diverse audience. The work will be located on one of the various concrete facades of the complex.
Wellington Webb Municipal Building
Deadline to apply is August 19, 2024
Type: Public Art
Eligibility: National
Budget: $25,000-$50,000
Denver Public Art seeks to commission five artists or artist teams to create public artwork for the interior of the Wellington Webb Municipal Office Building. This art should celebrate the work the municipal employees do for Denver. Selected artists will have the opportunity to collaborate with city workers and patrons of the building to inform the creation of the work.
Morrison Road Plazas
Deadline to apply is August 19, 2024
Type: Public Art
Eligibility: National
Budget: $100,000 per plaza
Denver Public Art, in collaboration with the Art Students League of Denver, seeks to commission artists or artist teams to create original public artworks for two future pedestrian plazas located in the Westwood neighborhood in Denver. These art projects should reflect the culture and community of the neighborhood. The panel is interested in artists who have an interest in local involvement and deeply understand the community’s sensitivities to potential displacement and gentrification.
Westwood Recreation Center Public Art
Deadline to apply is August 19, 2024
Type: Public Art
Eligibility: National
Budget: $250,000
Denver Public Art seeks to commission an artist or artist team to create original public artwork for the future Westwood Recreation Center in Denver. This art project should reflect the culture and community of the neighborhood and be engaging for visitors of the recreation center. The panel is interested in artists who have an interest in local involvement and deeply understand the community’s sensitivities to potential displacement and gentrification.
Grants
//
Awards
//
Grants // Awards //
Innovate Grant distributes (2) grants each quarter, to one Visual Artist and one Photographer. Our grant cycles are open (4) times a year (Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall). This is an international opportunity for all visual artists and photographers. The application process is quick and easy!
IDA Enterprise Documentary and Pare Lorentz Production Grants
Deadline to apply is June 25, 2024
Availability:
Compensation: $25,000 - $75,000
The International Documentary Association (IDA) is having an open call for their Enterprise Documentary grant and the Pare Lorentz Production grant. This call is open to documentary makers that explore original, contemporary stories that converge journalism and filmmaking. Through their application, you are able to apply to both the Enterprise Documentary Fund and the Pare Lorentz Production Grant simultaneously. Although, each grant will have additional specific questions as the Pare Lorentz Production Grant’s theme this year is Gender Justice.
Administered by Queer|Art, the annual Illuminations Grant for Black Trans Women Visual Artists supports early-career visual artists who are self-identified Black trans women and trans femmes living in the United States. In addition to the $10,000 grant, four finalists will receive a $1,250 award. Winning artists will also receive professional development resources and further guidance. to bolster creative development in their field.
Arts in Society grants will provide funding to support individuals and organizations in Colorado who seek to implement projects that utilize the arts as an integral element in promoting social justice and community welfare. Determined by a selection panel, grant funds will be distributed in April 2025.
The Robert Giard Grant supports the creation of work by emerging LGBTQ+ photographers whose projects address issues of sexuality, gender, or LGBTQ+ identity. As Queer|Art’s first international grant, this opportunity provides a $10,000 award for the winner and $1,250 for distinguished finalists, to support the creation of new work by emerging LGBTQ+ photographers. This juried grant asks that applicants have projects that address issues of sexuality, gender, or LGBTQ+ identity.
William Greaves Research and Development Fund
Deadline to apply is July 8, 2024
Compensation: up to $40,000 each
Firelight Media invites mid-career nonfiction filmmakers from racially and ethnically underrepresented communities in the United States and filmmakers in Mexico, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and Colombia, with particular interest in those who identify as Indigenous and/or of African descent, to apply for funding. Grants support the research and development of a feature-length nonfiction film and any essential need grantees have, including healthcare and childcare costs.
Administered by RedLine Contemporary Art Center, The INSITE Fund awards grants of up to $10,000 to directly support independent artists and artist collectives working across all visual media in the Denver Metro and Front Range. Awards will be granted to public facing visual arts projects that take place beyond the studio, museum, art center or traditional gallery setting. Projects must take place within a 115 mile radius of Denver, within Colorado.
The Dairy Arts Center seeks to host art and culture performances for its Co-Production Program. This program hopes to provide opportunities for local, emerging, and underrepresented art forms and expand access to art for the Boulder community. This award offers 1 to 3 full-day theater rentals with supporting staff and a $5,000 stipend per applicant.
The Folk and Traditional Arts Project Grant aims to celebrate, document, and preserve Colorado’s Folk and Traditional art. This funding can be used for the creation, presentation, or documentation of folk/traditional arts or to fund projects documenting folk/traditional art through photojournalism, archiving, oral history, or video.
Social Impact Artist Award
Deadline to apply is August 23, 2024
Availability: 3
Compensation: $50,000
Bonfils-Stanton Foundation and Denver Arts & Venues’ Social Impact Artist Award honors Denver-based artists who have shown outstanding commitment to social change and justice. Three artists or art collectives will be awarded $50,000, which includes $15,000 for a socially engaged project. Denver artists 21 years or older with 5 years of experience are welcome to apply.