Starting a creative business? Looking to LEVEL UP your current set-up? Want to switch to a creative sector? We have put together the ultimate Creative Economy Guide, where you can find funding guides, gig opportunities, trainings, and cohesive resources for however you are looking to engage.
Think we are missing something? Email Dylan@CulturalOffice.org to update the guide!
Upcoming Events
Looking for jobs/volunteer opportunities/auditions/calls for artists? While we have a detailed funding section below, we encourage you to also check out Peak Radar’s opportunities board!
Small Business Center
- Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado: The BBB4Good program enables Purpose-Driven businesses to become “BBB4Good Verified” by vetting their social good activities with BBB. BBB4Good empowers consumers to choose businesses that reflect their values and Purpose-Driven business to stand out in the marketplace. During this hour, you will also learn concepts of how to incorporate social impact into your business model.
- Center for Community Wealth Building: Center for Community Wealth Building’s work is driven by our commitment to economic justice, inclusivity, inspiration, and transformation. We work to inspire a fundamental shift within individuals, communities, institutions, and systems to support a thriving local economy and a healthy and sustainable way of life.
- Colorado Springs Permits and Licenses: Discover the permits, licenses, and fees needed to open or expand your business in the City of Colorado Springs.
- COS Open for Biz: A “step-by-step” online guide to assist entrepreneurs from their great idea to grand opening.
- ECatalyst Colorado Bootcamp: Entrepreneurship is the adventure of a lifetime, but it is HARD, and comes with significant risks! Most entrepreneurs spend $30K or more and nearly 3-5 years on a new business, and still more than 90% of new businesses fail. Why risk so much when you can know BEFORE you invest if your business will be viable, profitable, and scalable?! ECatalyst’s Colorado Bootcamp will help you think tank with other entrepreneurs as you create a business model which you then validate as successful!
- Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center: Helps existing and new businesses grow and prosper in the Pikes Peak Region by providing free and confidential consulting and no- or low-cost training programs.
- Project Storefront: “Project Storefront” is a new program powered by Colorado Springs Utilities and the SBDC that helps small businesses understand everything they need to know before buying or leasing a commercial space. Classes are offered once a month for $30.
- Pikes Peak Workforce Center: Offering a variety of employer services from job postings, to job fairs, to pre-employment assessments.
- SCORE Southern Colorado: Offers FREE 1 on 1 or Team Mentoring; Educational Programs (Live Virtual or On Demand); FREE Resources (Templates, Blogs and More). SCORE mentors know what it’s like to be a small business owner; its community of experienced entrepreneurs, corporate managers, and executives is eager to help you start and grow your business.
- Sol Center for Liberated Work: A guide for creatives to better understand the Copyright Claims Board (CCB). This resource was created through a partnership between The Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI) and Stanford University’s Juelsgaard Intellectual Property and Innovation Clinic (JIPIC)
- Springs Startup: For entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs, providing new early-stage and community programming for startup founders and the ecosystem.
- THRIVE Network: An intensive program that provides hands on education, mentorship, networking and scholarship opportunities. THRIVE enrolls those who want an opportunity to start or build a business in the southeast side of Colorado Springs. The program is free to the participants!
- Veterans Business Outreach Center: The VBOC Program is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling, and resource partner referrals to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard and reserve members, and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business.
- Art Boss: A program of the Pikes Peak Arts Council that provides artists with continuing education on topics including innovation, advocacy, and business in the visual and performing arts.
- Artwork Archive: Provides artists, collectors and organizations powerful tools to manage their artwork, career or collection. They additionally provide thorough resource guides on how to start an arts business, manage your portfolio, and track nationwide opportunities for artists of all mediums.
- CaFÉ: A program of WESTAF, find calls for art of all kinds!
- Center for Cultural Innovation: Provides entrepreneurial training for individual artists and cultural workers in all disciplines to enhance their business knowledge and career prospects (note: while paid trainings are offered via Zoom, there is limited availability for non-California based artists).
- Colorado Business Committee for the Arts Resource Library: Breadth of webinars on any and all topics, from copywriting to knowing your rights as an independent artist.
- CreativeStudy: Provides subscriptions to high-quality, self-paced, video-based courses to help creatives thrive by making intelligent business and financial decisions.
- Local Initiatives Support Corporation Placemaking Toolkit: As local leaders embrace creative placemaking as a tool to strengthen and transform communities across the country, the Creative Placemaking team at LISC has worked to create the resources and peer networks needed to empower practitioners across this unique field.
- Springboard for the Arts/Art-Train: Art-Train is a virtual technical assistance program for artists, municipal agencies, and community-focused organizations in all sectors, in communities of all sizes across the nation. Trainings are free for artists and for Native, Black, Indigenous and People of Color-led and focused community-based organizations.
- Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC + Join here
- Colorado Springs Black Chamber of Commerce + Join here
- Colorado Springs Hispanic Business Council + Join here
- Divide Chamber of Commerce + Join here
- Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce + Join here
- Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce + Join here
- Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce + Join here
- Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Southern Colorado + (coming soon!)
- Pikes Peak Chamber of Commerce + Join here
- Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce + Join here
- Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, EDC & Visitors Center + Join here
- Adelante Leadership Institute: To ensure that Latinos and Latinas serve in greater leadership roles, the first Latino and Latina focused leadership program in Colorado Springs, the Adelante Leadership Institute (ALI) trains, supports, and elevates professional and executive Latinos to positions of influence. The ALI identifies and encourages emerging Latino and leaders to embrace community involvement, civic engagement and service on boards and commissions. The ALI provides a culturally focused platform for Latino, Latina and BIPOC leaders to network, share ideas, problem solve and form collaborative relationships.
- Call Yourself Creative Program: Call Yourself Creative is a do-it-yourself program that helps communities organize successful Colorado Creative Districts. This online program is free of charge, self-paced, and open to anyone who wants to develop and sustain creative communities and districts. The three stages in the process help you align, connect, and activate your community.
- Colorado Change Leader Program: The Colorado Change Leader Program teaches cultural and community leaders how to handle change in organizations, communities, and their daily lives. The institute is a biannual three-day course to prepare leaders for a certification project. If your certification project meets certain requirements, you may receive a $500 stipend to implement the project. The network provides participants a way to continue engagement with current and past participants of the program.
- Leadership Arts: For over 25 years, CBCA has built a pipeline of leaders in the arts through Leadership Arts. This unique nine-month program prepares people to serve on nonprofit boards of directors and increase their civic engagement in the arts. The Leadership Arts curriculum focuses on building the necessary skills to be an effective volunteer leader and exploring relevant topics in Colorado’s arts sector.
- CONO Neighborhood University: A free course designed to establish a foundation of civic knowledge for engaged citizens in Colorado Springs and El Paso County. Individuals who participate in Neighborhood University will be eligible to serve as board members within CONO’s Neighborhood Networks.The goal of Neighborhood University is to educate, equip, and engage residents to serve as effective community leaders. Neighborhood University connects residents to decision-makers and teaches residents how to navigate local government, advocate for neighborhoods, build consensus with neighbors, and solve macro-community problems.
- Signature Program: Leadership Pikes Peak’s Signature Program challenges you to step up and become a catalyst for change in our community. Armed with knowledge, tools, and connections, you’ll be equipped to address pressing community needs and drive meaningful progress. Over the course of 10 transformative months, from August to the following June, you’ll dive deep into the issues that matter most in our community and learn from industry leaders and experts.
Funding Crash Course
Whether you are an independent artist, small business, or nonprofit we have compiled a variety of funding resources to meet your needs.
THE GOTTLIEB FOUNDATION INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT GRANT
For painters, sculptors and printmakers who have been creating mature art for at least 20 years and who are in current financial need. Grants are available through an open application process, and they have been distributed to artists worldwide.
ADOLPH & ESTHER GOTTLIEB EMERGENCY GRANT
For painters, printmakers, and sculptors who have been creating mature art for at least 10 years, and have recently undergone an unforeseen catastrophic event such as a fire, flood, or medical emergency. There are no deadlines for this program.
The Anonymous Was A Woman Environmental Art Grants (AWAW EAG) will distribute a total of $300,000 in funding—up to $20,000 per project—to support environmental art projects led by women-identifying artists in the United States and U.S. Territories.
The AWAW EAG program is administered by NYFA and is funded by Anonymous Was A Woman.
GRANT TIMELINE
Applications Opened: Tuesday, March 5 at 10:00 AM ET
Applications Close: Tuesday, April 16 at 5:00 PM ET*
Applicants Notified: August 2024
*Please note that the application form on Submittable will automatically close and stop accepting applications at this time.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The AWAW EAG will support environmental art projects that inspire thought, action, and ethical engagement. Projects should not only point at problems, but aim to engage an environmental issue at some scale. Proposals should illustrate thorough consideration of a project’s ecological and social ethics. Projects that explore interdependence, relationships, and systems through Indigenous and ancestral practices are encouraged to apply.
The intended impact of the project is an important factor in the selection process. Environmental art projects that qualify for this program may focus on the following themes, but are not limited to:
- Regeneration
- Eco-social engagement
- Decarbonization as decolonization
- Ecofeminism
- Climate change/climate collapse
- Systems-restoration
- Interspecies relationships
- Natural or built systems
- Recycling and repurposing
- Clean energy production
- Bioplastics
Selected projects must benefit the public in some way, and are required to have a public engagement component by August 31, 2025. The public engagement component must be free to attend, open to the general public, and must add value to the public sphere rather than solely benefiting the artist’s private gain. Online events are acceptable as long as they are attended by a live audience.
NYFA is committed to supporting artists from every background, and at all stages in their creative careers. Artists of color, artists with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ artists are strongly encouraged to apply.
This grant is funded by Anonymous Was A Woman. If you would like to contribute to this initiative, please email awaw@nyfa.org.
HOW TO APPLY
NYFA only accepts applications online via apply.nyfa.org/submit.
Before applying, please review the application guidelines
A comprehensive list of emergency resources for artists experiencing hardship. Please note, CCI is based in California, so while you will find national opportunities many of the funds listed are California-specific.
One stop shop for all Colorado State grants/RFP/RFQ/small creative business development resources. Use a variety of filters to search for individual grants, organizational grants, loans, tax credits, project funding. Filter by Industry and Interests to get specific opportunities related to you.
The Colorado Startup Loan Fund provides loan capital to mission-based lenders to provide loans to Colorado entrepreneurs and small business owners needing capital to start, restart, or restructure a business, and those who are not able to obtain a loan from traditional lenders. This is a revolving loan fund, meaning the dollars will be used to continue supporting new entrepreneurs as loans are repaid. Scroll down to loan providers to learn more about partnership options when opening your business.
Artist Get Ready Grants
CERF+’s Get Ready program provides individual craft artists grants up to $1,000 to conduct activities that will help safeguard their studios, protect their careers and prepare for emergencies. Artists are encouraged to use the Risk Assessment activity to generate ideas.
Priority will be given to applications from people who identify in the global majority or as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC)* and folk and traditional artists.
* Language use is a key element of access, equity, and inclusion work, and can help or hinder efforts in this area. We are currently using the term “people of the global majority” and Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) to describe individuals from prioritized communities. We recognize that neither term is universally used nor accepted but they are the most commonly used terms in our work. We encourage you to familiarize yourself and utilize the terms that your community members use to describe themselves.
Applications will open on February 6th and the deadline to apply is on March 5th, 2024 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.
We will send notifications of grant determinations on April 9th, 2024.
Created in 1993 to further FCA’s mission to encourage, sponsor, and promote work of a contemporary, experimental nature, Emergency Grants provide urgent funding for visual and performing artists who:
- Have sudden, unanticipated opportunities to present their work to the public when there is insufficient time to seek other sources of funding
- Incur unexpected or unbudgeted expenses for projects close to completion with committed exhibition or performance dates
Emergency Grants is the only active, multi-disciplinary program that offers immediate, project-based assistance of this kind to artists living and working anywhere in the United States, for projects occurring in the U.S. and abroad.
ARTNOIR is excited to announce our microgrant initiative, The Jar of Love Fund, is currently accepting applications once again. The Jar of Love Fund is intended to provide relief for artists, curators, and cultural producers of color. The Jar of Love Fund has distributed over $100,000 USD and first launched in 2020 in response to the unprecedented times of uncertainty, unrest, and the subsequent adverse impact on our community.
For the past decade, ARTNOIR has worked tirelessly to be an agent of social change catalyzing equity across the arts and culture industries. As an organization based on the foundation of community first, we want to do our part to provide love and care for artists, curators and cultural producers of color when they need it most. The unrestricted grant is designed to help remove some of the burden of thought and free up mental and spiritual capacity to continue creating and collaborating in strength. The arts and culture are the bedrock of any society. These are spaces that invite us to think critically and engage in rigorous discourse around the tough challenges we face as a community. As we reflect on the decade worth of work we have done as an organization, it is imperative that we utilize our network and resources to ensure that creatives have the capacity to create and be the spark of joy we need in our lives.
Applications are open to all those 18 years or older working within the arts, living in all fifty states, territories and Tribal Nations. We are committed to ensuring that artists, curators and cultural producers of all gender expressions, sexual orientation, disability status, and socioeconomic class have access to the fund and will actively work to ensure outreach is targeted to groups otherwise excluded from resources of this nature. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis as funds become available. Microgrant amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the scale of the project. APPLY HERE.
This guide contains a wide array of federal funding resources that go beyond typical arts grants to encompass various aspects of creative placemaking. Most of them are not directly intended for creative placemaking, but could fund one or more aspects of the overall effort, like business retention or attraction, incorporating artists in planning processes, or construction of community-serving facilities. Check out the how to use webinar here.
The NEA is the only arts funder in the United States—public or private—that provides access to the arts in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. jurisdictions. Each year, they award thousands of grants nationwide, including grants to first-time applicants. Whether you are a first-time or returning applicant, they welcome the opportunity to connect with you. Their staff strives to ensure that all applicants receive the support they need to understand every step of the process.
New York Foundation for the Arts empowers the creative community by providing critical support, resources, and opportunities.
ARTISTS: Do you need help paying for critical medical, mental health, or dental treatment? Have you had to suspend or reduce your creative practice because of a medical emergency? Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants Cycle 22 will be open through January 12. This national program provides grants of up to $5,000 to support direct treatment expenses for medical, dental or mental health emergencies that occurred June 1, 2023 or later; the deadline is January 12, 2024. Artists creating in visual arts, film/video/digital/electronic arts and choreography may apply. Cycle 23 will open February 13, deadline 5PM ET March 15, for emergencies occurring August 1, 2023 and after. A recorded information session, along with guidelines and the online application, are available here.
DANCERS: Are you a dancer anywhere in the US in dire financial emergency because of lack or loss of work? You may be eligible for a one-time Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grant of up to $3,000 through this national program. Cycle 11 will be open January 23 – February 23, 2024 for essential expenses such as housing, medicine/healthcare, and food. Cycle 12 will open April 16, with a deadline of 5PM May 17, 2024. A recorded information session, along with guidelines and the online application, are available here.
These programs are open to artists living anywhere in the U.S, its territories, tribal nations, and the District of Columbia. Artists with disabilities, artists of color, and artists living outside of New York are particularly encouraged to apply. These programs are supported by the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation and administered by NYFA. For more information, email emergencyfunds@nyfa.org, or call 212/366-6900 x 239.
The Pikes Peak Arts Council Microgrant Program is a dynamic initiative designed to empower and support local artists and creatives in their pursuit of innovative projects. This program reflects PPAC’s commitment to fostering a thriving arts community and encouraging individual artistic endeavors.
Key Features of the Microgrant Program:
Financial Support: The program provides funding to individuals across various artistic disciplines, from visual arts to literature, theater, and music. This financial support is aimed at facilitating the realization of creative projects and promoting economic growth within the local arts scene.
Diverse Project Scope: Microgrants are available for a wide range of artistic projects. Whether you’re an emerging painter, a poet, or a musician with a unique vision, the Microgrant Program is designed to accommodate diverse artistic expressions.
Artistic Impact: The Microgrant Program seeks to fund projects that have a meaningful impact on the artist and the community. This might include the creation of new artworks, the development of creative initiatives, or the enhancement of an artist’s professional skills.
PPAC’s Microgrant Program embodies the organization’s dedication to providing tangible support to artists, fostering creativity, and contributing to the cultural richness of the Pikes Peak region. The program operates on the belief that small grants can lead to significant artistic accomplishments and sustainable growth within the arts community.
RedLine is a nonprofit arts organization in Denver, Colorado that fosters education and engagement between artists and communities to create positive social change.
Redline offers several calls for art and grant opportunities. Check them out here!
The Robert Hilbert Nonprofit Resource Center (NRC) is located in the Carnegie Library at Penrose Library. Funding for the NRC is provided by the Pikes Peak Library District and a grant from the El Pomar Foundation. The NRC is a Funding Information Network partner of Candid, previously known as the Foundation Center. The Funding Information Network is comprised of libraries, community foundations, NGOs, and nonprofit resource centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, plus a dozen other countries. The resource center is open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
TourWest is a competitive grant program, supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, that provides subsidies to arts and community organizations for the presentation of touring performers and literary artists within the 13-state WESTAF region. The WESTAF region includes the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawai’i, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and Pacific jurisdictions (American Samoa, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Guam).
Since its founding in 2008, W.A.G.E.’s work has developed in service of a single achievable goal — regulating the payment of artist fees in the nonprofit sector — but we emerge from a long tradition of artists organizing around the issue of remuneration for cultural work in the United States that dates back to the 1930s .
To that end, W.A.G.E. operates three connected programs, W.A.G.E. Certification, WAGENCY, and CONTRACTS, a new set of legal tools for non-unionized freelance workers whose labor facilitates the conception, fabrication, production, exhibition and circulation of art (forthcoming).
Facebook Group Connections
As artists, we know that many opportunities come from organic connections. In this section, you will find a variety of Facebook groups where artists of all mediums can find work opportunities, calls to audition, RFPs/RFQs, and support for your creative pursuits.
Groups for All Mediums
The Artists of Colorado Springs Facebook Group is dedicated to enriching the artistic, creative, and professional development of its members through the promotion of local art events, creative courses, or workshops. The group also facilitates networking and collaboration opportunities, initiates engaging discussion, and showcases the talent of local artists and performers. We hope that you may take advantage of all the the group has to offer.
Are you an Artist? Painter, photographer, filmmaker, fiber artist, sculptor, illustrator, multimedia, mixed media, woodworker, Doodler? Are you a Hooper and/or Belly dancer? This group is set up for Colo. Creatives to post their classes, workshops, website links, show your latest works of art, post photos, post links to your exhibitions and much more. Art Galleries, please post your CALL FOR ARTISTS. Film Makers, post your CALL FOR ACTORS and CREW. Join us and let’s make this a thriving arts community.
Groups for Visual Artists
A place where you can post your arts, photography, or crafts for sale. Group services the entire state of Colorado. Join here!
A community group and forum for designers and creatives in the Colorado Springs region. Join here!
This is a group for the Colorado Springs community to sell and buy homemade items to support local crafters! Please note you will need to request membership to join this group. Join here!
A virtual craft fair for Colorado Springs. Join here!
Colorado Springs Creatives is a collaboration of the talented and creative community members of Colorado Springs who offer a wide variety of skill sets/talents that benefit our local area. We have two goals: (1) Foster community and social connection through art, and (2) Act as a valuable resource for individuals and those seeking their talents. Please note you will need to request membership to join this group. Join here!
An open group where members can sell/promote artwork, some promotion/call for work. Join here!
Groups for Musicians
A forum, contact point and chat area dedicated to freelance musicians in the Colorado Springs Area. Join here!
A place to post flyers, advertise, buy and sell your tickets for upcoming events, entertainment, concerts & performances. Join here!
A group to promote venues/shows/releases, generally discuss the music scene in the region. Join here!
A group devoted to fostering the Colorado Springs jazz music scene and community (more for posting upcoming shows, but does welcome requests for support/connection to paid work). Join here!
A group to discuss the music industry in Colorado Springs. Please see group rules and note that you will have to request membership to see posts. Join here!
A place for jazz musicians in Colorado Springs to find subs for upcoming gigs or full-time bandmates. Join here!
Groups for Writers
Hosted by Pikes Peak Writers. This group encourages dialogue and engagement between writers to help each other succeed.
Groups for Theater, Film, and Performance
A national group to provide information about submissions/competitions for playwrights. Join here!
This group is a message board for professional singers in Denver, the Front Range, and all of Colorado to post job opportunities including gigs, sub calls, and auditions. (Note: this group posts unpaid work in addition to paid opportunities). Please note you will need to request membership to join this group. Join here!
For all the folks involved in live theater in Colorado. Share info about shows, jobs, auditions, volunteers, openings, closings…all that good stuff. Join here!
This page is for both film makers and actors. We highly encouraged actors to share projects they find here as well. It is also a place for local resources for both actors & production.
A place for local theatre techs to share resources and stories. Join here!
The Colorado Springs Film Crew, is a community driven group whose goal is to help promote local filmmakers in the city by way of sharing ideas, helping out on set, or simply showing up for a screening. The group will consist of both in person meet ups, virtual writing classes or just chit chats, and more. Join here!
Film group for filmmakers, crew and talent, that live in Colorado Springs or are willing to travel to the Springs to be part of projects. Please note you will need to request membership to join this group. Join here!
This is a group for those of us who identify as People of Color and also act, direct, write, produce, work crew, or are in any other way involved in the Colorado Spring Theatre community. This group is a place where we can post audition notices, casting needs, etc. that are specific to POC. This is also a space for us to network and get to know each other in the hope of creating a support network within the larger Theatre community. Please note, you will need to request membership to join this group. Join here!
This Facebook group is to support theatre practitioners in the Pikes Peak Region. This open forum invites posts about all facets of theatre production and artistry– including casting and technical opportunities, employment, arts education, industry night performances at theatres, articles discussing our field, show listings, professional development, celebrating or remembering local theatre artists, shout outs and praise to other community members, and community bonding. Please note, you will need to request membership to join this group. Join here!
Creative Economy Data
Creative Vitality™ Suite is the industry standard data solution for measuring the for-profit and nonprofit arts, culture, and creative sectors. Here are the recent snapshots for the Colorado Springs MSA (which includes all of El Paso & Teller Counties):
- 2022 Colorado Springs MSA
- 2021 Colorado Springs MSA
- 2020 Colorado Springs MSA
- 2019 Colorado Springs MSA
AEP6 is an economic and social impact study of the nation’s nonprofit arts & culture industry, conducted every 5 years by Americans for the Arts. The Cultural Office has led our region’s local participation since 2007.
By every measure, the results are impressive. Nationally, the sector generated $151.7 billion of economic activity in 2022—$73.3 billion in spending by arts and culture organizations and an additional $78.4 billion in event-related expenditures by their audiences. What was the impact of this economic activity? It supported 2.6 million jobs, provided $101 billion in personal income to residents, and generated $29.1 billion in tax revenue to local, state, and federal governments. See the full results here!
