LODGERS’ TAX: ARTS & CULTURE FUND
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The fourth year of the Lodgers’ Tax: Arts and Culture program is an exciting time for creatives in our community. Creative Industries are an economic driver, enhancing Durango for our residents and visitors. The Lodgers’ Tax: Arts and Culture funds have created an opportunity for funding creative projects, events, programs, and experiences supported right here in the Durango community.
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2021 Election – Lodgers’ Tax Ballot Initiative
In the April 2021 election, Durango voters approved an increase in the Lodgers’ Tax from 2% to 5.25%, an increase of 3.25%. The new revenue stream created by the 3.25% increase devoted 14% to Arts and Cultural Events, Programs and Facilities. Other areas supported by the new revenue stream include Sustainable Tourism Marketing and Transportation and Transit Services.
Two Years of the Lodgers’ Tax: Arts and Culture Program
Since the program's inception in 2022, there have been in 109 projects partially and fully funded.
$1.5 million in arts and culture funding was invested into the Durango community.
The City of Durango’s per capita arts and culture spend has increased from $3 to $37.
There have been a wide array of projects funded: theatre performances, murals, youth metalworking workshops, creative placemaking projects, facility updates and repairs, afterschool arts classes, museum exhibits and equipment, multimedia storytelling projects, art restoration, and sculptures among others.
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Please note this is not a comprehensive list of eligible projects, all creative projects are considered.
Public art
Facility upgrades
Capital projects
Seed money for feasibility studies
Artisan housing projects
Financial support for grant writing
Murals
Performance art
Indigenous art
Creative placemaking
Festivals
Art education
Artisan food projects
Sculptures
Creative upcycling
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Arts Funding
There are two tiers of funding available for an array of creative projects in Durango. The City of Durango offers the Lodgers’ Tax: Arts and Culture Fund, supporting projects ranging from $5,000-$50,000. Durango Creative District also administered Durango Creates! Grant for projects under $5,000, which also comes from the Lodgers’ Tax: Arts and Culture fund. The Durango Creative District offers grant writing support or project consultation about all grant tiers. To discuss your project, please contact director@durangocreativedistrict.org.
Lodgers’ Tax: Arts and Culture Fund
Grant Amount: $5,000-$50,000
The goal of this funding is to create new opportunities to support local arts and culture organizations on a larger, more impactful scale through the Lodgers’ Tax: Arts and Culture funding. This grant has Two rounds per year and is for creative projects, programs, events, and experiences The funding is for projects over $5,000 and is a reimbursable grant. This grant is administered by City of Durango in partnership with Durango Creative District.
Note: applicants can receive either the LTAC or Creates! grant, but are not eligible to receive funding from both.
Durango Creates! Grant
Grant Amount: $5,000 & below
The Durango Creates! grants will be back in 2026 and is funding creative projects under $5,000.
This program is designed to encourage creative projects that can be enjoyed by the public based on a concept called creative placemaking. Creative placemaking capitalizes on the community’s assets, inspiration and potential with the intention of creating public spaces that promote health, happiness and well-being. The purpose of the grant is to encourage a concentration of creative projects in Durango's Character Districts in order to increase interest and engagement in these areas.
Note: applicants can receive either the LTAC or Creates! grant, but are not eligible to receive funding from both.
