Boulder B-Sides Program Has Launched for Local Artists
The initiative offers direct funding to creators for projects at the upcoming 2027 Sundance Film Festival.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Cultural
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Community Foundation Boulder County has launched the Boulder B-Sides program, a new initiative designed to support local artists with direct funding. Selected creators will have the opportunity to showcase their work in vacant commercial storefronts during the Sundance Film Festival.
Why it matters
The program aims to bridge the gap between regional artistic talent and major international events hosted in the area. By utilizing vacant storefronts, the project seeks to integrate local culture directly into the festival landscape.
The initiative will select between eight and 10 local artists to receive funding packages of up to $15,000 each. The program is backed by a grant shared between the Community Foundation Boulder County and the Boulder County Arts Alliance.
The players
Community Foundation Boulder County
This organization is a philanthropic leader that manages charitable funds and directs grants toward community-focused projects in the region.
Boulder County Arts Alliance
This group works to strengthen the creative economy by providing resources and advocacy for artists and organizations across the county.
The details
Artists must submit their applications online through the Community Foundation Boulder County website for consideration. Successful projects are slated to occupy vacant commercial storefronts located within the official footprint of the 2027 Sundance Film Festival.
Timeline
Applications for the Boulder B-Sides program close on Oct. 9, 2026, at 5 p.m.
The 2027 Sundance Film Festival begins in Boulder on Jan. 21, 2027.
The 2027 Sundance Film Festival concludes on Jan. 31, 2027.
Industry Dynamics
This program aligns with the strategy of major film festivals to embed themselves into local host economies through community-led art initiatives. By fostering these partnerships, the festival creates a model for long-term cultural engagement that extends beyond traditional screenings.
Local residents can expect to see new art installations throughout the city during the festival period in early 2027. Artists interested in participating should prepare their project proposals for submission via the official foundation portal before the October deadline.
The takeaway
This initiative provides a rare opportunity for local creators to gain significant financial support and high-visibility exposure at a major international event. Residents should look for these installations as a central feature of the upcoming festival experience.
What happens next
Artists must complete their applications by the Oct. 9, 2026, deadline, with the festival events following in January 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local creative initiatives by visiting the Cultural section.
More information
Apply for the program or review requirements at the Boulder B-Sides artist application portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Boulder Daily Camera.
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