Objectives: Since 2014, Pathways To Jazz has awarded grants to jazz musicians to create new, recorded works. Recordings are a key component in documenting and preserving jazz music. A high-quality recording also increases an artist's ability to develop new audiences for this artform. Pathways To Jazz knows the value that a recorded work can play in furthering artistry and wants to support artists in this endeavor. The opportunity to apply for the grant is open to artists of all ages and stages of their musical development. The grant is used to produce a professional recording for commercial distribution and self-promotion.

Eligibility: As an artist you need the capability to produce a studio-quality recording, have a strong artistic track record and demonstrate that you would clearly benefit from producing a recording. You should understand who your target audience is and know how the recording will be used to develop your audience.

Previous grant winners cannot apply within five consecutive years of their awarded year.

Emerging and established artists are eligible and recorded works can be original or the works of other, contemporary composers. The creative control of the recording remains with the artist.

How to Apply: To apply for the 2024 Pathways To Jazz recording grant, you must first submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) for consideration. The LOI is an online form that is completed on the Boulder County Arts Alliance website. Letters of intent will be accepted on May 1, 2024 between 8:00am-5:00pm MT. No letters will be accepted outside of the BCAA application form. No late submissions will be accepted.

For the LOI you will need to answer the following: (Please note word count limits.)

• Project title – provide a one sentence summary of your project. (30 words)
• Are you applying to fund a project that has already been recorded? If yes, please explain why you are applying for the grant? If no, write N/A. (45 words)
• How did you hear about the grant?
• If someone encouraged you to apply, please name them. (optional)
• Briefly describe your recording including information on the style, instrumentation, composer, and other pertinent details. (45 words)
• Why do you want to make this recording? What makes this project special? Why would we be excited to fund this recording? (100 words)
• What is the total budget of your project? Please note that you will provide a specific breakdown of your expenses if you are selected to apply and those should be in line with what you estimate here to be your total budget for the project.
• Do you have other sources of funding? If so, please detail with amounts. If none, write N/A.
• Provide names of up to three musicians who will play on your project if applicable. (optional)

You will be notified in June if you have or have not been selected to apply for the grant. Please do not make inquiries of status prior to June 30, 2024.

Selected applicants will apply through the Boulder County Arts Alliance website. Those awarded a grant will have until December 31, 2025 to complete their project. A final report is also due by this date and is completed on the Boulder County Arts Alliance website.

Please see this pdf for the questions that will be on the application should you be selected to apply.

Please refer to the Grant Guidelines and FAQ on the Pathways To Jazz grants page of the BCAA website.