Press Release
Applications open for the city of Aspen’s Cultural Vibrancy Fellowship
Program fosters creativity and growth for adult and youth artists through mentorship, funding, and collaboration
Aspen, CO – The city of Aspen announces applications for the Cultural Vibrancy Fellowship are now open for both adult and youth artists. The Cultural Vibrancy Fellowship supports local artists by providing financial assistance and fostering meaningful connections within the creative community. Local artists are encouraged to apply by Nov. 21.
The Red Brick Center for the Arts and the Wheeler Opera House have partnered to design and host this program, which provides a space to recognize, showcase, and support local artists. The fellowship offers funding opportunities to help artists advance their creative practice, further their careers, and pursue innovative ideas.
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.
The youth cohort will include 10 participants, each eligible to receive up to $750. Youth applicants must be 14–18 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. However, last year’s recipients are not eligible. Returning applicants must propose a new and innovative project. Youth participants from the previous year are encouraged to reapply with a fresh project proposal.
In addition to financial support, the fellowship provides a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment where recipients can connect, share, learn, and grow together. Participants will attend live performances hosted by the Wheeler Opera House, which is organized by Mike Harrington, executive director of the opera house, and Sarah Roy, executive director of the Red Brick Center for the Arts. Following the performances, the artist's cohorts will participate in facilitated gatherings led by experienced artists, creating opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and community building.
“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,” said Mike Harrington, executive director of the Wheeler Opera House. “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.”
The Cultural Vibrancy Fellowship is open to individual artists working across a wide range of disciplines, including performing arts, visual arts, film, literary arts, mixed media, and new media arts.
The application deadline is Nov. 21. For grant guidelines, eligibility requirements, selection criteria, and to apply online, visit the grants webpage at aspen.gov.
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