These days the National Endowment for the Arts gives most of its to groups, rather than individuals, that have proven track records in their communities.
Some of the cash supports tours of existing work, though much of it goes toward specific projects that help groups develop new pieces of art or stage unique performances.
Does the money make a difference? Depends on who you ask.
Arts groups say the grants provide seed money that allows them to start new initiatives and lure additional donors to their cause. Detractors say the cash is doled out in amounts too small to make or break a project.
For example, Opera Colorado received $30,000 this week for a worthy and important endeavor for sure. But the production could cost upwards of $700,000 to produce. Is government support equal to the controversy it can cause?
This list of other ideas funded by the NEA in Colorado this week can help you decide.
Anderson Ranch Arts Foundation, Snowmass Village
Amount: $20,000
Supporting: Artist residency programs.
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet
Amount: $20,000
Supporting: A national tour of dance performances.
Boulder Community Media, Boulder
Amount: $40,000
Supporting: A documentary and website presenting the traditional music and dance of the Volga German communities of western Nebraska, southeastern Wyoming and northeastern Colorado.
Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival, Vail
Amount: $15,000
Supporting: The annual summer fest of classical music.
Central City Opera House, Central City
Amount: $20,000
Supporting: A new production of Ned Rorem’s “Our Town” next summer.
Amount: $10,000
Supporting: The upcoming ninth film fest.
Curious Theatre Company, Denver
Amount: $15,000
Supporting: The regional premiere of Tarell McCraney’s “The Brothers Size.”
Denver Art Museum
Amount: $50,000
Supporting: A residency by contemporary American Indian artist Marie Watt.
Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Amount: $10,000
Supporting: Lauren Feldman’s “Grace, or The Art of Climbing.”
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
Amount: $20,000
Supporting: The production of “Tara” by choreographer Kun-Yang Lin.
Opera Colorado
Amount: $30,000
Supporting: The first, fully staged professional production of Lori Laitman’s “The Scarlet Letter.”
