Sightlines: April 13, 2023

Boulder County arts and culture news, at a glance.

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Photo courtesy Longmont Symphony Orchestra

We love our local arts scene here in Boulder County — but with so much going on, it can be hard to keep up. That’s why Boulder Weekly is bringing you our regular round-up of goings-on in the world of performing and visual arts, film, music and more. Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening locally, so you don’t have to miss a beat. 

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COLORFUL COLORADO: R Gallery seeks artists for new state show 

Boulder’s R Gallery + Wine Bar (2027 Broadway) is looking for artists to participate in its upcoming Colorful Colorado exhibition to “celebrate the diverse and vibrant culture of the state by showcasing art that depicts scenes or activities related to Colorado.”

The gallery space welcomes all artists living and working in the Centennial State, regardless of medium — from landscapes and cityscapes to portraits, abstract works and points in between. Artists may submit up to 12 work samples with a $30 entry fee. 

Colorful Colorado will be on display at the downtown art gallery from June 7 through July 16. Deadline for entry is Sunday, May 14. Submit your application here

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CASH FLOW: Venue and artist hiring funds available once again 

It’s no secret that the pandemic marked a major challenge for the roughly 10% of the local workforce employed in the creative industries. That’s why the Boulder Arts Commission is adding more money to arts-related funds made available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). 

The commission recently dedicated an extra $21,000 to its Venue and Online Event Affordability Funds during a meeting on March 22. This money is available to provide venue rental assistance for local arts orgs along with coverage for expenses related to personal protection equipment, COVID-19 testing and online programming.

Other ARPA funding opportunities include Artist Hiring Incentive Grants for nonprofits to employ local visual, performing and literary artists to perform or create new work. Learn more about available funds at boulderarts.org

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ROCK THE BLOCK: City grants support connection through art 

The City of Boulder’s Neighborhood Services has opened its Neighborhood Connection Grants for 2023, including its Healing Together initiative to “provide resources to help communities heal together through art, music, and dance.”

The program brings a slate of interactive arts programming to local neighborhoods and community groups, designed to strengthen resolve and connection after the collective traumas of recent years. This year’s performing and visual arts programs include Seen by Creativity Alive, Healing Together with Luna Cultura and The Cultural Hip-Hop ‘n’ Art Experience by Mi Chantli

Apply here by Friday, April 21. 

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PURSE STRINGS: Help Longmont Symphony Orchestra meet fundraising goal

Want to support classical music in Boulder County? The Longmont Symphony Orchestra is halfway to the goal of its March Forth to 50k fund drive, and your support can help push them over the edge of the finish line before the end of the ongoing concert season. 

“Your donation will go directly to the effort of getting our musicians to a compensation level which is competitive with other similar orchestras in our area,” a representative wrote in an April 8 email regarding the fundraising campaign.

Make your tax-deductible donation today by calling 303-772-5796 or submitting online

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SLOW BURN: Creative opportunities for Marshall Fire survivors 

As our community continues to reel from the most destructive wildfire in state history, Lafayette’s pARTicular Art Gallery and Teaching Studio (401 S. Public Road) is continuing the long recovery process by providing free art-making opportunities for survivors in 2023. 

From art classes and drop-in studio time to free participation in the gallery’s biannual 6×5 Community Show and a year-long community quilting project, there are plenty of opportunities for Marshall Fire survivors to explore creative paths to healing. 

More details here. 

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Got local art news? Email BW culture editor Jezy J. Gray at jgray@boulderweekly.com