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New Works Incubator

New Works Incubator

The New Works Incubator is designed to support the creation, development and presentation of new works. 

Challenging Performance Norms: Recipients of the New Works Incubator award will challenge traditional performance norms by pushing creative boundaries and adding a unique voice. It encourages artists to experiment with new ideas and forms, creating innovative and groundbreaking works that stand out. 

Opportunities for Community Engagement: New Works Incubator projects are expected to have community engagement activities (events, workshops, mentorship, performances). This Incubator is designed to be a dynamic and inclusive platform that nurtures creativity, fosters collaboration, and engages the community in meaningful ways. 

Funding Detail

Individual Award Amounts: Up to $25,000 

Funding Requirements

  • Projects must take place at the Denver Performing Arts Complex 

  • Projects must take place between January 2026 – December 2026 

  • Projects must have a main contact who will coordinate with Arts Complex staff 

  • Denver Arts & Venues is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in all programs, initiatives and decision-making processes.  Proposed initiatives should align to support these values 

Project Eligibility

  • Programs must take place at the Arts Complex  

  • New projects/projects in development only  

  • US-based individual artists, artist collectives, organizations  

  • At least 3-4 years demonstrable experience developing new and original works   

  • If you have received a New Works Incubator award from Denver Arts & Venues, you are not eligible again for 2 cycles (e.g. if you were awarded a 2026 New Works Incubator you may apply again during the 2029 cycle 

  • Individuals applying for a solo project are eligible, however please note that we will weight collaborative projects higher  

  • If you are receiving Arts & Venues support in 2026 via another grant opportunity, you are not eligible for the New Works Incubator 

  • Arts Complex Resident Partners may not apply for this opportunity 

Eligible Projects 

  • Dance  

  • Film 

  • Cirque 

  • Spectacle 

  • Street Theatre 

  • VR / Digital 

  • Puppetry 

  • Spoken Word / Literary 

  • Placemaking & Placekeeping 

  • Multimedia 

  • Speaker Series 

  • Artist Talks / Artist Panels 

  • Comedy 

  • Cultural Festivals 

  • Fashion 

  • Culinary Arts 

  • Immersive, Site-Based, Site-Specific or Interactive 

  • Folk and Traditional Arts 

  • Theatre 

  • Music 

  • Visual Arts 

  • Any art form we are not creative enough to imagine 

Ineligible Projects 

  • Fundraisers 

  • Galas 

  • Award Shows 

  • VIP Experiences 

  • Political Events 

Eligible Expenses

Eligible Expenses 

  • Personnel, production staff, artist stipends  

  • Production-related expenses 

  • Marketing   

Ineligible Expenses 

  • Programs that restrict participation and access on the basis of race, gender, creed, origin, age, disability 

  • Expenses incurred outside of the funding period 

  • Maintenance, operation or retroactive funding of existing projects 

  • Re-granting 

  • Fundraising activities 

  • Cash reserves and endowments 

  • Capital projects 

  • Political campaigns or legislative issues 

  • Alcohol 

Timeline

  • Application cycle: October 21 – November 24, 2025  

  • Informational session & venue tour: Monday November 3, from 5-6:30pm 

  • Panel review process: December 1 – December 19, 2025 

  • Selected applicants notified: Early January 2026  

  • Grant Award Distribution: Throughout 2026, based on project timing within 2026 booking calendar 

  • Implementation: Programs to take place between February – December 31, 2026 

Award Information

  • $10,000 development stipend 

  • Access to Champa Rehearsal Studio for 30 days of development time and/or community engagement activities (a value of $3,000) 

  • Use of Arts Complex facilities for final public presentation (a value of between $1,600-$5,000/day, depending on chosen space) 

  • Waved sound, lights & power (a value of $3,300/date) 

  • Access to items in venue inventory (link to downloadable venue inventory .pdf) based on availability  

  • $10,000-$15,000 credit against venue expenses/labor (box office, security, ushers, stagehands, equipment rentals) 

  • Retain ticketing revenue from final presentation 

  • General marketing support consisting of: Final presentation and community engagement activities listed on artsandvenuesdenver.com and artscomplex.com events calendars, in the DAV newsletter and on DAV social channels 

  • Access to professional photographer to document process and public presentation 

  • If based outside of the Denver metro area, awarded entity will receive a maximum additional $5,000 to cover travel & lodging expenses 

Recipient Requirements

  • Enter a grant agreement and booking agreement with Denver Arts & Venues  

  • Individuals: 

    • Will need to procure & hold a Certificate of Insurance (COI) that includes General Liability 

    • If utilizing a vehicle for any project-related purpose (load-in, load-out) at the Arts Complex, proof of personal automobile insurance is required 

  • Organizations: 

    • Will need to procure & hold a Certificate of Insurance (COI) that includes General Liability, Automobile Liability, and Workers Compensation and Employers’ Liability 

    • Organizations may seek a Rejection of Coverage for Workers’ Compensation through the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Division 

    • Will need to be registered with the Colorado Secretary of State’s office 

  • Meet production deadlines 

  • Bring proposed event to fruition  

  • All ticketing must be hosted on the AXS.com platform and included in our Pay What You Wish ticketing program 

  • Final report at conclusion of project 

  • Implement marketing efforts above and beyond what Arts & Venues provides to reach and expand audiences  

  • Credit Arts & Venues support on all marketing assets promoting this event.  If presenting a world premiere/new work, credit Denver Arts & Venues in future presentations of the work supported by this partnership