CO HB1223

Creates the rural arts grant program within the creative industries division to provide grants to artists living and working outside the scientific and cultural facilities district who partner with qualified governmental or nonprofit organizations as sponsors.

Establishes eligibility requirements including that artists must live and work outside the district, work with a qualified organization sponsor, and complete grant applications without assistance from outside grant writers.

Grants may be used for projects advancing artistic and cultural goals in rural communities, enhancing community culture, or fostering cross-community collaborations that promote acceptance of differing perspectives.

Requires qualified organizations to use no more than 5% of grant funds for administrative costs and submit reports within one year of grant receipt detailing how funds were used; prohibits future grants to organizations failing to submit required reports.

Appropriates $50,000 annually starting July 1, 2020, from the general fund to the creative industries cash fund for the grant program, with $50,000 provided for fiscal year 2020-21 and requires annual legislative reports on program outcomes.