Durango Creates! Grant

Creative community projects that enhance Durango’s unique sense of place

Goals

1. Invest in small-scale community driven projects focused on placemaking andcommunity engagement.
2. Draw attention and traffic to Durango's Character Districts.
3. Catalyze social and economic activity to build the tax base.
4. Support creative professionals and encourage cross-industry relationships.

Overview

This program is designed to encourage creative projects that can be enjoyed by the public based on a concept called creative placemaking. Creative placemaking capitalizes on the community’s assets, inspiration and potential with the intention of creating public spaces that promote health, happiness and well-being. The purpose of the grant is to encourage a concentration of creative projects in Durango's Character Districts in order to increaseinterest and engagement in these areas. Learn more about the Durango Districts initiative at www.districts.durangogov.org.

Examples of Eligible Projects

• Public Art
• Murals
• Sculptures
• Temporary Installments
• Parklets
• Plazas
• Public Seating
• Events
• Beautification

Funding

The Durango Creates! Grant offers funding up to $5000. This is available for materials, artist fees, supplies and more. This is a reimbursement grant and funds will be distributed following completion of the approved project.

Eligible Projects

This grant is for projects located in one of Durango's Character Districts. Projects must be publicly accessible. This grant is open to the public; individuals, businesses, neighborhood groups and non-profits. The first application deadline is April 14 to be reviewed at the April 25 CEC meeting. The second application deadline is August 15 to be reviewed at the August 29 CEC meeting.

Process Step

Step 1: Identify the project, location and partners

Step 2: Contact City Staff to schedule a pre-application meeting

Step 3: Complete a project plan and apply for funding

Step 4: Staff reviews application for eligibility and completeness

Step 5: Creative Economy Commission reviews application and awards funding

Step 6: Implement Project

Step 7: Submit for reimbursements

Evaluation Guidelines:

1. Quality of project
2. Efficiency
3. Creativity
4. Collaboration
5. Community Engagement
6. Impact
7. Quality of proposal

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Durango Creates!? 

Durango Creates! is a program designed to encourage creative projects in Durango's Character Districts. The goal is to have a concentration of community driven projects within these districts to help draw attention to the area. Durango has many artists and creative residents. Through a $5,000 grant, this program helps facilitate the creation of projects and activity that can be enjoyed by the entire community. Your imagination is the limit!

Who can apply for funding? 

This program is open to the public; individuals, neighborhood groups, businesses and non-profits are welcome to apply.

What type of projects are eligible?

Projects located in one of Durango's Character Districts.

Project must be publicly accessible.

Examples of eligible projects:

• Public Art
• Events
• Temporary installments
• Public Seating
• Street art
• Murals
• Parklets
• Pop-up shops
• Pedestrian improvements
• Beautification

Examples of ineligible projects:

• Work that will be sold later for a profit.
• Projects that are not publicly accessible.
• Building improvements.
• Projects advertising a specific business or service.

How does the application process work?

There are two application deadlines: April 14 and August 15. All projects must be completed by December 31 and reimbursement materials returned by December 1. Grants are approved by the Creative Economy Commission. The Creative Economy Commission meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month.

How does the funding work?

Grants are available up to $5,000. This is a reimbursement grant, so the applicant must submit receipts in order to receive funding. A payment plan may be created with the applicants based on key deliverables.

Examples of Eligible Costs:

• Professional or Artist Fees
• Supplies/Materials
• Marketing Material

Examples of Ineligible Costs:

• Equipment
• Software
• General operation or administration expenses

Submitting Applications

All applications are due by 4:00 pm on the 14 of April and 15 of August. Applications are open from January 1 to August 15. All projects must be completed by December 31, 2023.