Press Room

Bohemian Foundation's Communications Department is ready to assist members of the media, as well as grantees interested in publicizing their awards.

Dozens of Fort Collins Organizations and Businesses Will Offer Free Services to Individuals and Families at Project Homeless Connect

FORT COLLINS, Colorado, March 17, 2017 – Fort Collins’ annual Project Homeless Connect is scheduled to take place on April 7, 8 a.m.-noon. Project Homeless Connect is a one-day, one-stop event on that offers a range of free services to hundreds of individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness.

Project Homeless Connect will take place at the Northside Aztlan Center, 112 Willow St. A free breakfast will be available in the morning, and a free BBQ lunch will be served from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nearly 40 local nonprofits, government agencies and businesses will provide on-site services. Bohemian Foundation; the Murphy Center; and Colorado State University Student Leadership, Involvement and Community Engagement (SLiCE) co-produce the event with support from United Way of Larimer County.

Free services this year will include basic car inspection; bike repair; medical screenings; basic dental screenings for adults and children; eye exams; family photos; haircuts; housing information; veterans’ services; ID and legal services; employment services; counseling; government benefits; child care and children’s activities; bus passes; massages; toiletry packages; pet health care; and pet food.

During the event, each participant is paired one-to-one with a volunteer who helps the participant navigate the variety of services available. Last year, SLiCE recruited nearly 400 CSU students and Fort Collins community members to volunteer.

About Project Homeless Connect

The Project Homeless Connect concept originated in San Francisco in 2004. In 2005, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness launched the National Project Homeless Connect Partnership. Since 2008, more than 200 cities across the U.S., Canada and Australia have adopted the initiative. Fort Collins welcomed its first Project Homeless Connect in 2010. Since then, more than 12,600 individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the Fort Collins community have participated.

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Pianos About Town Program Seeks Artists

FORT COLLINS, Colo., January 23, 2017 – Pianos About Town, an interactive public art program in Fort Collins, announced today that it is seeking artists or artist teams to paint or artistically decorate pianos in 2017.

This year for the first time, the program will offer two different sessions designed to provide resources for potential applicants; however, neither session is required in order to apply. During the first session, potential applicants will hear a presentation about the application process and will have opportunities to ask questions. The second session is an open house and application review, during which program staff will work one-on-one with attendees to review their applications and make application recommendations.

Applicants must provide services within Poudre School District boundary. Applicants do not need to be headquartered in Fort Collins to receive funding. However, applicants must serve clients within the Poudre School District boundary or have a direct impact on individuals in the grantmaking area.

Application Information

The program is looking for diversity in artwork styles and concepts, with a preference for emerging artists and new and exciting ideas. Selected artists will receive an honorarium of $1,000. To apply, artists must submit a letter of intent and concept rendering. The application deadline is 5 p.m. MST on March 6. An Art in Public Places committee selects artists each year. For further information and to apply, visit www.fcgov.com/artspublic/current-competitions.php.

Session I: Presentation and Q&A:

Jan. 31, 6-7:30 p.m.
The Music District
639 S. College Ave.
Fort Collins

This session will include a presentation at 6:30 p.m. about the application and review process. Ren Burke, a past Pianos About Town artist, will offer tips to new and returning applicants. Handouts will be provided and program staff will be available to answer questions during the rest of the session.

Session II: Open House and Application Review

Feb. 21, 4-6:30 p.m.
Community Creative Center
200 Matthews St.
Fort Collins

At this drop-in session, staff will be available to sit with applicants one-on-one to review applications and make application recommendations. Staff also will be available to provide general information for applicants who were unable to attend the first information session. Information about other artist opportunities offered by the City of Fort Collins will be available.

About Pianos About Town

As part of the Pianos About Town program, local artists transform donated pianos into visual art. Once completed, the pianos take on their new status as interactive public art throughout Fort Collins. Pianos About Town started in 2010 as a collaboration among Bohemian Foundation, the Downtown Development Authority and the City of Fort Collins Art in Public Places Program.

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Bohemian Foundation Seeks Pharos Fund Grant Applicants

Bohemian Foundation today announced that Pharos Fund is now accepting applications for the Spring 2017 grant round. The Pharos Fund is a responsive grant making initiative of Bohemian Foundation’s Community Programs. Bohemian Foundation is a private family foundation based in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Who:

Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) organization or a governmental unit serving a charitable purpose. Private foundations, type III non-functionally-integrated supporting organizations, and programs and projects under fiscal sponsorship are ineligible to apply to Pharos Fund.

Applicants must provide services within Poudre School District boundary. Applicants do not need to be headquartered in Fort Collins to receive funding. However, applicants must serve clients within the Poudre School District boundary or have a direct impact on individuals in the grantmaking area.

When:

Bohemian Foundation will accept applications until 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 2.

Where:

To apply for a grant, visit www.bohemianfoundation.org/pharos-apply

Details:

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Bohemian Foundation Seeks Pharos Fund Grant Applicants

Bohemian Foundation is pleased to announce that the Pharos Fund is now accepting applications for the Fall 2016 grant round. The Pharos Fund is a responsive grant making initiative of Bohemian Foundation’s Community Programs.

Who:

Applicants must be either (1) a 501(c)(3) organization or (2) a governmental unit serving a charitable purpose. Private foundations, type III non-functionally-integrated supporting organizations, and programs and projects under fiscal sponsorship are ineligible to apply to Pharos Fund.

Applicants must provide services within Poudre School District boundary. Applicants don’t need to be headquartered in Fort Collins to receive funding. However, applicants must serve clients within the Poudre School District boundary or have a direct impact on individuals in our grantmaking area.

When:

Bohemian Foundation will accept applications until 11:59 p.m. on September 8th.

Where:

To apply for a grant, visit www.bohemianfoundation.org/pharos-apply

Details:

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Bohemian Foundation Pharos Fund Awards $500K to Local Nonprofits

FORT COLLINS, Colo., December 12, 2016— Bohemian Foundation today announced that it awarded $500,000 to 29 local nonprofits working to encourage and enable youth to thrive, empower individuals and families on the path toward economic stability and strengthen our vibrant Fort Collins community. Bohemian Foundation awards Pharos Fund grants twice every year. Since its inception in 2001, Bohemian Foundation Community Programs has awarded more than $16,700,000 million in Pharos Fund grants to a variety of nonprofits serving the Fort Collins area.

“These organizations have a deep understanding of the prevalent issues in our community,” said Sara Maranowicz, Bohemian Foundation’s Community Programs Director. “We continue to support organizations that identify and work directly to address our community needs.”

Pharos Fund is a responsive grant making program of Bohemian Foundation that makes awards up to $30,000 to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and governmental units. A committee comprised of Bohemian Foundation board members, Bohemian staff and community members selects grantees through a competitive application process.

  • Organization Name
  • Project
  • Award
  • Book Trust
  • Book Trust Poudre School District
  • $30,000
  • Making Progress
  • Integrating Hands-on Making with 21st Century Tools into Education
  • $5,000
  • Total
  • $500,000

Bohemian Foundation will begin accepting applications for the next Pharos Fund round starting December 21, 2016. Visit BohemianFoundation.org for more information.

Bohemian Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2001. Based in Fort Collins, Colo., Bohemian Foundation works to empower citizens and impact communities through its responsive grant making programs and special initiatives.

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Colorado Creative Industries and Bohemian Foundation Announce New Partnership to Advance Music Industry in Colorado

DENVER, Colo. – Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) and Bohemian Foundation today announced a public-private partnership to advance music in Colorado through the Colorado Music Strategy, a comprehensive plan to support music as a key creative industry in the state.

“Bohemian Foundation brings more than 10 years of experience providing opportunities and enrichment through music,” said CCI executive director Margaret Hunt. “We are thrilled to partner with them on the execution of The Colorado Music Strategy, focusing on economic development objectives, such as industry workforce development and increasing music exports.”

The Colorado Music Strategy aims to increase revenues for Colorado-based musicians and music-related businesses while raising state’s profile nationally and internationally. The strategy will provide resources and leadership for music projects, grants to nonprofits to present music and opportunities for networking and thought-sharing at an annual music conference.

Bohemian Foundation has committed $75,000 in matching funds to support the first year of the strategy.

“We are excited to help CCI advance music in Colorado,” said Bohemian music programs director Tom Scharf. “We share an interest in supporting live music and helping to grow musicians and music-related organizations, and we are happy to share what we’ve learned and collaborate with communities across the state.”

The strategy also includes designating a Colorado Music Ambassador. Gov. John Hickenlooper along with CCI chose Shawn King of Devotchka as the 2017 ambassador for his outstanding creative, professional and social contributions to the state. In addition to his exemplary creative activities, King has worked recently with Colorado businesses to increase music licensing opportunities for Colorado musicians. King will continue to advocate for the placement of Colorado music in film, on television and online. He also will lead workshops around the state on music licensing.

The CCI pilot music touring project, Detour, will continue through 2017 as part of the strategy with two or three additional statewide tours. Detour was launched in partnership with the Colorado band Flobots to match Colorado musicians with communities throughout state for special performances, community events and workshops. Detour has helped to increase touring opportunities for musicians in Colorado while also creating access to music in parts of the state that are not traditional tour stops.

Colorado’s music industry currently contributes 16,300 music-based jobs to the state’s economy and generates $1.8 billion in annual revenue.

“Music is an essential part of our state’s creative economy, increasing tourism, creating jobs and helping make Colorado an all-around great place to live,” said Gov. Hickenlooper. “Since 2011, the state’s music economy has outperformed the nation as a whole, and job growth in live music has grown by 70 percent in the past five years. Colorado is a global destination for music festivals, and our musicians play to fans just about everywhere in the world.”

About Colorado Creative Industries

Colorado Creative Industries is a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Established to capitalize on the immense potential for our creative sector to enhance economic growth in Colorado, the mission of Colorado Creative Industries is to promote, support and expand the creative industries to drive Colorado’s economy, grow jobs and enhance our quality of life. www.coloradocreativeindustries.org

About Bohemian Foundation

Bohemian Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2001. Based in Fort Collins, Colo., Bohemian Foundation works to empower citizens and impact communities through its responsive grant making programs and special initiatives in four program areas: community programs, global programs, music programs and civic programs. More information is available at www.bohemianfoundation.org

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Public Forum on Affordable Housing for Artists on Oct. 11

FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Fort Collins community members are invited to attend an Oct. 11 public forum conducted by Artspace, a national nonprofit dedicated to creating affordable spaces for artists and creative businesses.

The public forum will run 5:30-7 p.m. Oct. 11 in the Columbine Room at the Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about Artspace and to contribute their ideas about affordable housing and other spaces for artists.

The City of Fort Collins, the Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority and Bohemian Foundation invited Artspace to Fort Collins to conduct a Preliminary Feasibility Visit. The public forum is part of their visit which will identify the types of spaces needed and assess the potential to create the spaces in Fort Collins.

About Artspace

Artspace is the nation’s leader in artist-led community transformation, with 35 projects in operation across the country and another dozen in development, representing a $600 million investment in America’s arts infrastructure. With headquarters in Minneapolis and offices in Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Seattle and Washington D.C., Artspace is America’s leading developer of arts facilities. To date, Artspace has completed nearly 2,000 affordable live/work units for artists and their families as well as more than a million square feet of non-residential space for artists and arts organizations. For more information about Artspace visit www.artspace.org.

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The Music District Opens in Fort Collins

FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Sept. 7 marked the beginning of a soft opening for the Music District, a 57,000 square foot campus with communal areas, coworking, industry incubation, rehearsal rooms, retail, radio, residences and more.

Throughout the month of September, workshops, rehearsal spaces and tours are available to the general public. Opening activities will culminate with an opening celebration Sept. 30. The event is free and open to anyone curious about the new space. RSVP is required on the Music District’s website at www.themusicdistrict.org. A complete calendar listing of current happenings is also available.

“We’re excited to have a wide range of folks from all the different music communities and scenes colliding here, whether they’re from Fort Collins, the rest of Colorado or the wider music world,” said Music District Director Jesse Elliott.

About the Music District

The Music District is a dynamic gathering hub, workspace and creative playground for the music community. For the novice or pro, it’s a place where anyone can hone their craft, learn the business and share skills and passions with musicians and music lovers. The five building campus will connect Fort Collins to regional, national and international music communities through collaboration and partnerships, offering free and fee-based programming for the public and music enthusiasts.

A living laboratory, it will continuously evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of the Northern Colorado landscape and the wider music world. Visit www.themusicdistrict.org for more information, current events and bookings.

Operating Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Tuesday – Sunday
Closed Mondays and holidays

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Jesse Elliott Named as Director of The Music District

FORT COLLINS, Colo., May 16, 2016 – Bohemian Foundation today announced it has named Jesse Elliott as director of the new Music District LLC, a Fort Collins music hub designed for musicians and music-related businesses.

Elliott will lead the Music District staff and will be responsible for all operational aspects of the Music District, including overall management, programming and community relations. Elliott will begin work as director today in preparation for the Music District’s opening in September.

“Jesse brings tremendous breadth of experience to this position,” Bohemian Foundation Music Programs Director Tom Scharf said. “He is both a longtime working musician as well as an effective and highly innovative leader with a track record of successfully initiating and implementing projects. We’re excited to see how the Music District develops under his directorship.”

Elliott previously acted as a consultant for the Music District through Range Music Ecosystems, a company that he co-founded. At Range Music Ecosystems Elliott developed music initiatives for a variety of clients across the state, including the City of Denver and the State of Colorado. Elliott also is a musician who has founded two touring bands that have performed more than 1,200 live shows.

“The Music District is an amazing model that has potential to support and build our music community,” said Elliott. “I’m looking forward to opening the doors in September.”

The Music District, located at 619 to 639 S. College Ave. is a five-building complex designed to serve as a dynamic gathering hub, workspace and creative playground for the music community. The space will be open to community members interested in honing their musical abilities, learning the music business and sharing their music-related skills with other music lovers. The Music District will include rehearsal areas, practice rooms and creative spaces, and it will house music-related service providers, retailers and organizations.

During the next several months, Elliott will oversee hiring of staff for the Music District. Please visit themusicdistrict.org for more information about the Music District and to submit inquiries and ideas.

Bohemian Foundation, a Fort Collins-based private family foundation established in 2001, works to empower citizens and impact communities through its responsive grant making programs and special initiatives. Bohemian Foundation provides support for the Music District. Visit bohemianfoundation.org for information about the foundation’s four program areas: Community Programs, Global Programs, Civic Programs and Music Programs.

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Pianos About Town Returns to Old Town Square to Celebrate Sixth Season

FORT COLLINS, Colo., May 9, 2016–On May 10 after months of indoor hibernation, painted pianos will emerge in outdoor locations across Fort Collins as part of the Pianos About Town project, a collaborative effort among Bohemian Foundation, the City of Fort Collins Art in Public Places program and the Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority.

Over the course of the year, local artists will paint 13 pianos donated by community members. The Art in Action tent and summer painting will return to the south side of Fort Collins’ newly-renovated Old Town Square. The public is invited to stop by to watch the work in progress. On May 11, local artist Gail Whitman will be the first to start work on 2016 pianos.

“We’re excited to usher in another season of Pianos About Town,” said Tom Scharf, Bohemian Foundation’s Music Programs director. “The program aims to bring together visual art and music on a public platform. We have wonderful things happening with music and art in Fort Collins. Pianos About Town is just one of many programs that showcase Fort Collins’ active creative communities.”

Since the program’s start in 2010, 40 local artists have been employed to paint 67 pianos.

“Over the past several years of the program we’ve employed a wide range of artists: a high school student, Colorado State University students, as well as professional artists,” said Ellen Martin, Visual Arts Administrator for Art in Public Places. “This season, six of the 13 artists are new to the Pianos About Town program.”

Pianos About Town at a Glance:

Pianos About Town is intended to be a fun, interactive art installation that creates an additional element of whimsy and surprise in Fort Collins. The project is a public art initiative that provides paid work to local visual artists, that gives the public the opportunity to observe these artists work in real time, that showcases the work of these artists throughout town, and that brings opportunities for spontaneous musical expression to the streets of Fort Collins.

The original inspiration for Pianos About Town comes from British artist Luke Jerram, who created a 60-piano installation that toured the world, stopping in New York City in June 2010. Pianos About Town was also inspired by a similar project on Denver’s 16th Street Mall. The first pianos were placed in Downtown Fort Collins during the 2010 holiday season and were an instant hit. This is the sixth season for Pianos About Town.

Pianos are acquired through donations made by community members looking for a new home for their used instruments. Pianos are picked up, free of charge, from their previous homes and brought to a storage area where they are cleaned, tuned, prepped for painting and readied for the outside elements. After that, the painting begins. Selected local artists spend approximately two weeks painting their piano in downtown Fort Collins, outdoors in a public location when weather permits. Once painted, each finished piano enters into rotation at Pianos About Town locations throughout Fort Collins. Area businesses play a key role in the success of the project by “adopting” the painted pianos and covering them during inclement weather.

Please download the full news release PDF to view artist profiles.

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