Five Points Jazz Grants

The goal of this grant is to celebrate and uplift jazz artists and jazz-related programming in the context of the DENVER CREATES: A Collective Commitment to the Arts, the city’s roadmap for a thriving arts and culture ecosystem. Grounded in research and driven by community voices, this roadmap outlines three commitments to create a more equitable and dynamic cultural landscape: 

• Commitment #1: Broaden Access to Arts and Culture 

  • Advance equity and access in arts and culture funding 

  • Reduce barriers to audience engagement 

• Commitment #2: Cultivate the Cultural Community  

  • Amplify Denver’s Cultural Successes and Reputation 

  • Build Cross-Sector Collaborations 

  • Integrate Artists in Community Decision-Making 

  • Build Arts Leadership and Education  

• Commitment #3: Support the Economic Vitality of Denver’s Cultural Sector 

  • Increase access and affordability of spaces 

  • Retain local talent and resources 

More information on the DENVER CREATES cultural roadmap can be found here. 

• • Only complete applications will be reviewed. 

  • Applications can be for new or existing projects.  

  • Projects must be jazz-related and accessible to the public. 

  • Cultural institutions, non- or for-profit entities, educational institutions, neighborhood and community-based organizations and individual artists can apply. 

  • City agencies are not eligible for funding, but can be listed as a partner on applications.  

  • Projects must take place within the designated footprint (please see activation area below). 

  • Our current policy is that an individual or entity cannot receive funding from Denver Arts & Venues for the same project or program in a single calendar year (January 1 – December 31). If you are applying with a project or program that has already received other funding for the 2026 year from Denver Arts & Venues, you are ineligible to apply in the current cycle.  

The shaded area represents where Five Points Jazz Fund activities must take place. This map is meant to serve as a reference point – if you need more information or have a specific question about location and eligibility, please reach out to Sonia Rae at Sonia.Rae@denvergov.org.

The boundaries are as follows and encompass businesses and organizations located on both sides of the street:

• 20th Avenue between Broadway and Downing Street
• Downing Street between 20th Avenue and 31st Avenue
• 32nd Street between Downing and Arapahoe Street
• Arapahoe Street to Broadway
• Broadway to 20th Avenue 

• Funded programs must take place between January 1 and December 31, 2026. 

• Grantees will participate in an onboarding call with Denver Arts & Venues to kick off the grant implementation phase and communicate key project milestones or any challenges with your grant. 

• The program must have an identified project lead who will implement and track the impact of the program.  

• If the program is significantly changed (e.g. project description, event location/s and frequency, target audience) you must contact the Program Manager to discuss these updates. Please note that if the changes affect eligibility, you may be required to return the funds.  

• If your event has a ticketed cost, please include a minimum of two comped tickets for Denver Arts & Venues staff to attend and celebrate your work.  

• If there are any events related to your program that are open to the public, we ask you to let us know by submitting this form at least 30-60 days in advance, so that we may help you promote the event.  

• Grantees will acknowledge the support of Denver Arts & Venues in all program branding and promotion. 

• Grantees must submit a Project Wrap-Up form. While we do not require comprehensive final reports, we would love to hear how your project went in your own words. We encourage you to share the impact of the program in one or more of the following ways: 

  • Photos and videos of the program 

  • Media mentions  

  • Attendance numbers 

  • Demographic information 

  • Testimonials 

  • Project reports 

Each application will be scored on Program Description (30%), Alignment with DENVER CREATES (15%), Program Impact and Relevance (10%), Program Audience (18%) and Feasibility and Planning (27%) using a review criteria. Please note that scoring will be based on the quality of the responses to the application. 

The Curtis Park Neighborhood RNO will host six "Jazz in the Park" events in Curtis Park. 

"Streets, Take 5” is a jazz exhibition that blends music, visual art and community engagement. Curated by JC Futrell and featuring artwork of Darrell Anderson, the project pays tribute to jazz’s rich history while pushing its creative evolution forward. Includes live music and a painting event.

Five Points Live! is a jazz and roots celebration on October 4. The Jazz & Roots Celebration program marks a milestone anniversary by combining local and national acts to celebrate music in community and will feature Chantil Dukart & Dukes of Art, Ley Line and Mali Obomsawin Quartet.

MAE'S and Urban Sanctuary will feature three unique experiences. 
1. Blue Note Yoga - special programming targeting the 65+ crowd and feature a sample of music from the 1920s-1940s. 
2. Improvised Jazz Flow - This session will feature improvised musical accompaniments and also an improvised yoga session. Featured visual artists will have their opening shows and will also be encouraged to live paint. Followed by an artist discussion and light bites.
3. Rhythm + Flow - Session of yoga accompanied by Live Jazz. 

The Mercury Cafe Jazz Jam has been happening every Friday since 2021. It has enabled up-and-coming young musicians to get valuable experience playing jazz in a group context in front of an audience. 

Moyo Nguvu Cultural Arts Center will host ‘Irawo Osa’, an ensemble that blends Afro-Cuban musical traditions with Latin Jazz, founded by Yuniscleyvis ‘Yuni’ Ramos, from Los Muñequitos de Matanzas. They will also bring Nitanju Bolade Casel, a member of the African-American a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock, to facilitate community-based vocal workshops

MAS Presents will produce two days of jazz programming at The Savoy Denver on October 2-3, 2025, featuring performances by nationally renowned jazz musicians, collaborations with local artists, local artist performances and mentorship opportunities for emerging jazz musicians and students. 

Spangalang Brewery will host JazzToberfest, a free event on October 11, featuring eight bands, three stages, live painting, a classic car showcase and a local vendor marketplace. JazzToberfest will not only amplify the musical heritage of Five Points but also support an intergenerational collaboration of eight varied local jazz groups.

TeaLee's Tea House and Bookstore will host summer jazz events from June through September, featuring visual art and history, Sunday brunch with music and history, Thirsty Thursday vinyl and talk-back sessions and next-generation jazz. 

"Jazz & Tea: A Sensory Celebration" is an immersive event series that celebrates the historic and cultural legacy of jazz in Five Points while engaging modern audiences through the medium of tea and storytelling. Partnering with jazz artist Toni Negus, the project will include live performances and professionally produced content that highlights the relationship between jazz and wellness.

The Jazz Masters Series is a monthly two-hour event celebrating the history of jazz and its deep connection to the Five Points neighborhood. Sessions will include musical performances, historical storytelling and guest speakers, such as local jazz artists and music historians.

Zen Bear Music will host Brass Band Heritage Day, a brass band 'festival' day in Five Points with brass bands playing along the street.