Aspen’s Cultural Vibrancy Fellowship now open for artist applicants
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Applications for the city of Aspen’s Cultural Vibrancy Fellowship are now open for both adult and youth artists, offering financial assistance and fostering meaningful connections within the creative community.
The fellowship aims to help artists advance their careers with funding opportunities. The application deadline is Nov. 21, and the fellowship is open to individual artists working in performing arts, visual arts, film, literary arts, mixed media, new media arts, and more.
“We are thrilled that the Cultural Vibrancy Fellowship, now into its third year, continues to evolve as we learn how the program can best serve our local artists,” Mike Harrington, executive director of the Wheeler Opera House, said in a press release. “It has been so heartwarming to observe the impactful connections and artistic growth that continue to emerge from the first two cohorts. We encourage all eligible artists to apply to be a part of the 2026 cohort.”
A total of 12 adult artists will be selected to participate in the program, each receiving up to $5,000 in funding. Adult applicants must be at least 19 years old and reside or work within the Aspen Urban Growth Boundary for at least nine months of the year, according to the release. A total of 10 youth participants will be selected, each eligible to receive up to $750. Youth applicants must be 14 to 18 years old and either live within the Aspen Urban Growth Boundary or attend school within the Aspen School District Boundary.
Adult participants from the 2023 Fellowship are welcome to reapply, but last year’s recipients are not eligible. Those who are returning applicants must propose a “new and innovative project.”
Youth participants from the previous year are able to reapply with a fresh project proposal.
The Red Brick Center for the Arts and the Wheeler Opera House have partnered to design and host this program, the press release states, providing “a space to recognize, showcase, and support local artists.”
In addition to financial support, the fellowship also aims to cultivate a safe environment where recipients can be inspired, connect with others, and grow together. The Wheeler Opera House will host participants at live performances, organized by Executive Director of the Wheeler Mike Harrington and Executive Director of the Red Brick Center for the Arts Sarah Roy.
“Following the performances, the artist’s cohorts will participate in facilitated gatherings led by experienced artists, creating opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and community building,” the press release states.
For grant guidelines, eligibility requirements, selection criteria, and to apply online, visit the grants webpage at https://aspen.gov/383/Grants.
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