Pop-up art program will activate vacant storefronts and unexpected spaces during the 2027 Sundance Film Festival
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BOULDER, Colo., Sept 18, 2026 – Community Foundation Boulder County, in partnership with Boulder County Arts Alliance and the City of Boulder, is inviting local artists and arts organizations to apply for funding to participate in Boulder B-Sides, a new pop-up art program that will activate vacant commercial storefronts and unexpected spaces throughout Boulder during the 2027 Sundance Film Festival (Jan. 21 – Jan. 31, 2027).
Boulder B-Sides will spotlight local art that lives outside the main frame — experimental, innovative, engaging and genre-bending. Like the B-side of a record, the program creates space for hidden gems, giving local artists an opportunity to share their work with local audiences and those visiting from around the world.
Approximately eight to 10 Boulder County artists or arts organizations will receive direct funding of up to $15,000 to produce public activations in vacant commercial spaces within the Sundance Film Festival footprint. This project is made possible by a grant to Community Foundation Boulder County and the
Boulder County Arts Alliance. Activation spaces will be available Jan. 15 – 31, with a concentration of activations during the Sundance Film Festival’s premiere period from Jan. 21 – 26, 2027. Potential projects could include:
• Immersive and interactive installations
• Working studios or fabrication spaces
• Short-run performances, listening rooms or reading series
• Intimate spaces for experiencing art, with occupancy limited to 49 people
“We’re lucky to have such a vibrant arts community here in Boulder, and we want to make sure local artists and arts organizations play a leading role as our community comes out to support the Sundance Film Festival’s Boulder debut,” says community foundation CEO Tatiana Hernandez. “The community
foundation is thrilled to partner with Boulder County Arts Alliance and the City of Boulder’s Office of Arts and Culture on this new opportunity for local creatives to participate in this exciting moment for our community.”
Applications are now open to Boulder County-based artists and arts organizations and will be accepted until 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9.
For more information and to view all project criteria, visit the Request for Proposals document. Applications must be submitted through the Community Foundation Boulder County website.
About Community Foundation Boulder County
Vision:
Community Foundation Boulder County envisions a thriving, equitable and inclusive community that collaborates to ensure everyone in Boulder County experiences a life of opportunity and fulfillment.
Mission:
Community Foundation Boulder County activates the ideas, generosity and leadership of the community to galvanize resources and support equitable solutions for all who live/work in Boulder County.
History:
Since 1991, Community Foundation Boulder County has addressed the evolving and growing needs of the Boulder County community, granting over $200 million.
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