Denver Arts & Venues and the Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs launched the new IMAGINE 2020 Fund providing up to $5,000 in funding support for new, creative and innovative programs inspired by one or more of the seven vision elements outlined in IMAGINE 2020 – Denver’s Cultural Plan – that further develops Denver’s creative landscape. The seven vision elements are Integration, Amplification, Accessibility, Lifelong Learning, Local Talent, Economic Vitality and Collective Leadership.

The call for proposals is now open with a submission deadline of Friday, June 12 at 5 p.m. Award notification is Wednesday, July 15, and the funding and implementation period is July 2015 through December 2016.

Proposals indicating collaboration among multiple groups are strongly encouraged. City agencies, cultural institutions, businesses, entrepreneurs, civic leaders, neighborhood and community-based organizations and individuals located in the City and County of Denver are eligible to submit an application.

The IMAGINE 2020 Fund provides up to $5,000 per program. Eligible applicants can apply for programs that are new or in development since the launch of the IMAGINE 2020 Cultural Plan (Spring 2014). Programs must demonstrate a 1:1 or more match of resources including volunteer labor (valued at $20/hour), donated materials or cash. Programs must take place in the City and County of Denver, in the calendar years 2015-16 and must have a project director that will initiate, plan, implement and track impact of the program. Projects can be independent or collaborative and reflect the applicant’s unique interpretation of the cultural plan.

About IMAGINE 2020
In Spring 2013, Denver’s community gathered to provide a strategic vision and future platform for arts, culture and creativity in the City and County that became IMAGINE 2020 - Denver’s Cultural Plan. IMAGINE 2020 is Denver’s first cultural plan since 1989 and reflects the vision, goals and aspirations of everyone who contributed ideas through the planning process and will help guide resources, support and direction for Denver’s arts and culture in all their many forms.

Full details, guidelines and the application can be found on ArtsandVenues.com