Who is eligible for the Artist Opportunity Grant?
Applicants for the Artist Opportunity Grant must meet the following requirements:
- Be 18 years of age or older at the time of the application deadline
- Provide proof of being an active artist
- Live in one of the following counties: Jackson, Larimer or Weld County (Colorado) | Laramie County (Wyoming)
- Provide a free opportunity for the Fort Collins community to experience art. The event must be held in Fort Collins, the Fort Collins Growth Management Area or at a City of Fort Collins-owned property.
- Must not have received $3,000 or more from the Art in Public Places Program or the Cultural Community Program over the last calendar year
Classified and hourly City of Fort Collins employees are not eligible to apply. Seasonal employees are eligible to apply but must consult with and receive approval from their supervisor prior to applying.
Do I need to be a full-time artist to apply?
No. We understand that not everyone is able to be a full-time artist.
What types of artists are eligible?
All art forms are eligible. You will be asked to identify your artistic discipline in the application by selecting from a list of categories or choosing “Other.”
Can emerging artists apply, or is this only for established artists?
All artists can apply, whether emerging or established. We only require that you have created art in the past and can provide proof of your work.
Can collaborative teams or artist collectives apply?
No. This grant is intended for individual artists only.
I work for an organization that receives a FoCo Creates grant. Can I still apply?
Yes. However, your public presentation of art cannot be associated with a FoCo Creates Grant Program-funded event through an organization.
What can grant funds be used for?
Grant funds are unrestricted and can be used for rent, groceries, bills, professional development, artistic supplies, travel and other expenses.
How do I apply?
Apply by completing the Artist Opportunity Grant submission form.
How will grant recipients be chosen?
Grant recipients will be selected at random through a lottery process.
When will applicants be notified?
Regardless of selection, all applicants will be notified by the end of June.
Do I need to submit a W9 or sign a contract?
If awarded, you will be required to submit a W9 and sign a grant agreement.
What qualifies as a free public presentation?
Presentations could include art shows, markets, performances, workshops, demonstrations, exhibits or other forms of public experiences. We simply ask that your art is free for the general public in Fort Collins to experience.
The City of Fort Collins Arts and Culture staff will also be planning an Artist Opportunity Grant showcase event in January 2027 at the Center for Creativity. Participation in this event is optional but highly recommended and can count toward meeting the public presentation requirement.
What proof of completion is required for the public presentation?
Grant recipients will be asked to complete a final report. Please save proof of your public presentation through photos, flyers, social media posts, programs or similar materials.
We also appreciate attendance numbers or other success metrics when available.