Call for Artists: Elevate Boulder Storytelling

The City of Boulder is calling for artists to participate in storytelling activities with Elevate Boulder participants. Elevate Boulder is the city's guaranteed income pilot program designed to address the challenge that an estimated one in four Boulder households does not have enough income to meet basic needs.

This opportunity invites artists to help participants share their transformative stories through various mediums including narrative performance, video, and photography. Over the past two years, Elevate Boulder has provided unrestricted direct cash assistance to participants, resulting in profound changes in their lives—from financial relief and restored dignity to newfound hope and long-term possibilities.

The program has demonstrated remarkable outcomes: participants have invested in their families, careers, and wellbeing; single parents have been able to reduce work hours and spend more quality time with their children; individuals have stabilized their households and invested in retirement planning; and many have experienced renewed peace of mind and the ability to focus on personal goals beyond survival.

Artists selected for this initiative will work collaboratively with Elevate Boulder participants to document and present their stories. Previous storytelling work with the program has included narrative performances with Motus Theater, video documentation, and photography projects. This is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful community-engaged art while supporting participants in amplifying their voices and sharing the impact of guaranteed income.

The City of Boulder is actively seeking to expand storytelling activities and ensure that Elevate Boulder can continue providing unrestricted direct cash assistance beyond the pilot phase. Artists interested in this work are encouraged to learn more about the program and submit their interest.