A new Research & Innovation Office (RIO) program is providing nearly $100K in combined funding to 19 projects that span disciplines ranging from music and art history to journalism and theatre and dance.

“I’m encouraged by the strong interest in RIO’s first dedicated Arts & Humanities grant program,” said Massimo Ruzzene, vice chancellor for research and innovation and dean of the institutes. “The funding will help scholars and artists forge new creative pathways toward a more connected and inclusive world."

This pilot opportunity was inspired by recognition of the essential role of the arts and humanities at CU Boulder, including inspiring deeper connections with others, welcoming multiple and diverse perspectives, and contemplating what it means to be human.  

Applications for the program were submitted in May and subsequently reviewed and ranked by arts and humanities faculty based on the following criteria:

• Significance/value of the project to arts, humanities and/or humanistic social sciences
• Potential of the project to contribute to the field(s) (and potentially beyond)
• Appropriate proposal for use of funds
• How the project will impact the applicant’s career development
• Appropriate evaluation to assess the project’s success
• Qualifications of the applicant(s) and relevance of those qualifications to the project

RIO will evaluate the inaugural program’s effectiveness throughout the life of the awarded projects and anticipates offering the Arts & Humanities Grant Program in the future depending on the success of the program and availability of funding.