Arts Funding in Colorado Was Already Scarce. Then Trump Slashed $500K in Grants.

It feels like every week Denverites are grappling with some shocking new way that President Trump is using the power of the federal government to reshape life here in the Mile High. This week, it’s art. Trump’s National Endowment for the Arts cut almost a half-million dollars in previously awarded grants last Friday to 22 local arts organizations, including the Denver Art Museum and Su Teatro, because their programs didn’t conform with the president’s new “ priorities .” So host Bree Davies is talking to Youth on Record executive director and veteran arts fundraiser Jami Duffy about the impact on the local arts community, how much leverage Trump really has, and how the local arts world is pushing back in all different ways. In response to Trump’s NEA grant cuts, the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation announced this week a new 2025 Arts & Culture Rapid Response Grant program to help make up the shortfall for the local organizations that lost money. What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm . Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this May 8th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Regional Air Quality Council Colfax Ave BID Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise