DENVER CREATES: A Collective Commitment to the Arts is a community-driven roadmap guided by a vision to foster and grow a thriving, inclusive and resilient creative and cultural ecosystem in Denver for everyone. 

Launched in May 2025 by Denver Arts & Venues, the DENVER CREATES Fund will provide up to $10,000 in direct cultural investments in the creative sector and cross-sector partnerships for programs and projects that align with goals and outcomes outlined in the DENVER CREATES roadmap and contribute to the cultural and artistic vibrancy of the city.

This fund will focus on the following commitments: 1) Broaden access to arts and culture, 2) Cultivate the cultural community and 3) Support the economic vitality of Denver’s cultural sector. 

Please read the DENVER CREATES plan and guidelines before applying here: https://www.artsandvenuesdenver.com/grants-cultural-investments/grants/dav-denver-creates-fund 

DENVER CREATES: Un Compromiso Colectivo con las Artes es una hoja de ruta impulsada por la comunidad, guiada por una visión de fomentar y hacer crecer un ecosistema creativo y cultural próspero, inclusivo y resiliente en Denver, para todas las personas.

Lanzado en mayo de 2025 por Denver Arts & Venues, el Fondo DENVER CREATES proporcionará hasta $10,000 en inversiones directas en el sector creativo y en asociaciones intersectoriales para programas y proyectos que se alineen con las metas y resultados establecidos en la hoja de ruta de DENVER CREATES y que contribuyan a la vitalidad cultural y artística de la ciudad.

Este fondo se enfocará en los siguientes compromisos:

1. Ampliar el acceso a las artes y la cultura,
2. Cultivar la comunidad cultural y
3. Apoyar la vitalidad económica del sector cultural de Denver.

Lea el plan y las pautas de DENVER CREATES antes de presentar su solicitud aquí: https://www.artsandvenuesdenver.com/grants-cultural-investments/grants/dav-denver-creates-fund 

PROGRAM AND GOALS

The 16th Street Performers Network offers an opportunity to activate Denver’s downtown with musicians, artists, entertainers, and performers of all kinds to surprise and delight pedestrians and bring vibrancy to downtown Denver through the arts. 

SELECTION PROCESS

Individual artists or artist groups of up to three people are invited to apply to become part of the 16th Street Performers Network. The Network is a list of artists and small ensembles that Downtown Denver Partnership can choose from to activate 16th Street, surprising and delighting visitors with music, magic, theater, artist demonstrations, etc. Artist groups are limited to three people to ensure that activations do not impede pedestrian traffic. 

Applications to join the network will be reviewed quarterly by representatives from Denver Arts & Venues (DAV) and from Denver’s Commission on Cultural Affairs. If an application is approved, the artist(s) will be notified by a representative of DAV, their information will be shared with Downtown Denver Partnership, and they will join the 16th Street Performers Network of artists. Artists remain in the network for a period of two years, after which they will need to reapply. 

Performances or demonstrations may take place outside of a business storefront, on a patio along 16th Street, or in open spaces that do not impede the Right of Way. Selected artists will work with DDP and local businesses to determine appropriate locations. 

WHO CAN APPLY

Any individual artist or small ensembles of up to three performers working in any genre, including but not limited to musicians, visual artists, craft artists demonstrating their craft, circus artists, magicians, thespians, etc.  will be considered. Artists must live in Denver or the Denver metro area. 

LIMITATIONS

1. Artists may not place unapproved signage of any type on the mall surface nor attach to any mall furnishings.
2. Portable generators are not allowed. Most performance locations will not have access to power and applicants with no power needs may have more performance opportunities.
3. All equipment must be approved by the Downtown Denver Partnership.
4. Artists cannot use street furnishings for their performances.
5. No equipment can be connected to planters, trees, lights, or vendor kiosks.
6. Marking of the ground or any furnishings is prohibited.
7. Amplified sound is allowed however sound levels must be within the restrictions of the current noise ordinance (currently 50 dB). Generally, you should not be heard 100 feet from your location.
8. If asked to reduce your volume you should do so quickly and kindly. Some businesses require a level of quiet to operate.
9. Artists should not impede pedestrian traffic or block any business entrance or exit.

RATE OF PAY & PAYMENTS

$150 per performance hour for each performer.

The Downtown Denver Partnership will be responsible for contracting and paying all performers for their work. Artists should receive payment within 30 days of their performance.

HOW ARTIST WILL BE CONTACTED/CONTRACTED

NOTE: Being accepted to the Network is not a guarantee that an artist will be hired to perform. When an artist or artist group is going to be hired, they will be contacted by DDP who will provide the artist(s) with detailed information about where and when they are being asked to perform, limitations and requirements, and they will provide the artist(s) with a performance agreement. Performances will generally take place between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. The hired artist(s) should direct all correspondence and questions about their performance agreement and pay to Downtown Denver Partnership. 

QUESTIONS

Please direct questions about the application to Shanna Shelby at Shanna.Shelby@denvergov.org