FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DENVER, CO (May 14, 2026) – The Equity in Arts Learning for Colorado Youth (EAL) grant initiative announces its 2026-27 funding cycle recipients in the third year of this statewide grant. A groundbreaking collaboration—led by the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) and Denver Arts & Venues, in collaboration with grant administrator Think 360 Arts for Learning—has now invested a total of over $1.3 million in the creative potential of youth across the state. This work is grounded in the belief that access to the arts is fundamental to a vibrant, inclusive and thriving Colorado.
Empowering Colorado’s Youth Through the Arts | “We’re proud to support 24 outstanding schools and organizations working to ensure students who need it most have access to the transformative power of arts learning,” said Gina Ferrari, Director of Grant Programs at the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation. “These grants support programs that help empower young people across Colorado to develop their creativity and express their unique identities through arts and culture, while building confidence and empathy.”
“Colorado is a state for inspiring art. Talented poets and artists call Colorado home, and our strong arts and culture scene brings people from all over the world to our wonderful state to collaborate, share, and be inspired. Assisting young artists helps the next generation of creators to capture the beauty in Colorado,” said Governor Polis.
2026-27 EAL Grantees | Through a competitive selection process, the program awarded grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. This year’s cohort includes 24 organizations across 11 Colorado counties, with projects ranging from paid arts internships for youth with disabilities, to culturally rooted afterschool programs supporting Indigenous youth in rural communities, to restorative theatre initiatives supporting justice-involved youth as they navigate detention and reentry. Funded projects span a rich array of artistic disciplines, including Storytelling and Spoken Word, Digital Arts, Film, and New Media, 2D and 3D Visual Arts, Dance/Movement, Drama/Theatre, Music, Heritage/Folk/Traditional Arts, and Literature, Writing, and Poetry.
These initiatives will expand access to sustained, high-quality arts learning for marginalized youth, engage professional artists in dynamic classroom partnerships, and contribute to a growing statewide movement to elevate the role of arts education. Together, these projects aim to dismantle systemic barriers, support youth identity, mental health, academic success, and workforce readiness, and amplify the essential role of the arts in education across Colorado.
Read the complete list of 2026-27 grantees HERE.
Impressive Quality and Statewide Reach | “This year’s cohort underscores the power of the arts and creativity to drive real change for young people and communities across Colorado,” said Adam Kullberg, Executive Director of Think 360 Arts for Learning. “These projects are tackling real challenges in urban and rural areas statewide and building pathways for young people to lead, create, connect, and shape their own futures.”
A Decade of Impact | The Equity in Arts Learning for Colorado Youth Grant (EAL) is built on a decade-long commitment to arts education, evolving from the Colorado Arts Partnership Grant co-developed in 2014 and annually granted by the state arts agency Colorado Creative Industries and Think 360 Arts for Learning. With the dedicated leadership and support of partners the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation and Denver Arts & Venues, EAL has expanded both its funding and impact, growing the grant to a nearly half-million-dollar fund and extending eligibility beyond schools to include nonprofits. This collaborative investment has been crucial in advancing access, equity, and innovation in arts education across Colorado.
“Colorado Creative Industries is honored to support these programs that make arts education more accessible to Colorado’s youth. Participation in the arts helps young people build communication and critical thinking skills, learn collaboration, and discover new forms of self-expression that benefit them in school and life. This collaborative exemplifies what is possible when we focus on expanding arts for all,” stated Josh Blanchard, Director of Colorado Creative Industries.
Investing in the Arts to Grow Colorado | As the national landscape shifts, Colorado remains steadfast in its belief that creativity, culture and opportunity should be accessible to every young person. The EAL grant program reflects this commitment with clarity of purpose and deep dedication to building a more equitable future. Together, these philanthropic leaders are not only funding programs, but helping shape the future of arts education for generations of young Coloradans.
“Denver Arts & Venues is proud to be a funding partner to help increase access to arts education for all youth in music, theater, visual arts, film, crafts, and more. These experiences can be life altering and help build confidence, community and lay the groundwork for future success,” said Shanna Shelby, Program Manager, Denver Arts & Venues.
About Equity in Arts Learning for Colorado Youth
The Equity in Arts Learning for Colorado Youth grant is a statewide initiative committed to expanding access to high-quality arts education for all Colorado students. This unique public-private partnership—led by Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Colorado Creative Industries, and Denver Arts & Venues—is administered by Think 360 Arts for Learning. The EAL grant has awarded over $1.3 million to schools and nonprofit organizations across Colorado since 2024, and the next round of funding will open in fall 2026.
For more information, please visit www.think360arts.org/grant-opportunities.
PRESS CONTACTS|
Anthony Grimes | Director of Communication | Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Anthony@bonfils-stanton.org | 303-825-3774 ext. 105
Bethany Laffan | Development & Marketing Coordinator | Think 360 Arts for Learning
bethany@think360arts.org | 720-702-2483
Alissa Johnson | Communications Director | Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade | alissa.johnson@state.co.us
Ben Heinemann | Public Relations, Denver Arts & Venues | City and County of Denver, Benjamin.Heinemann@denvergov.org