Resources
We offer a variety of resources for local artists in the Crested Butte and Gunnison areas,
including funding opportunities, partnership options, professional development, networking, and much, much more!
Opportunities
Projects and Grants
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Paragon Art Gallery Guest Artist Opportunity
Are you an artist who lives in Gunnison or Crested Butte? Please apply for the chance to exhibit your artwork at our gallery on Elk Avenue in Crested Butte! Being in the heart of beautiful downtown, we are wonderfully located with lots of daily foot traffic from locals and tourists alike.
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Artist Enrichment Grant
The Crested Butte Society advances its mission by redistributing revenues generated from the annual Arts Festival directly into our creative communities through the AEG fund. Grants range in size between $500-$5,000.
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Education & Enrichment
The Crested Butte Creative District regularly partners with the Crested Butte Community School to offer arts education and enrichment opportunities to students. If you are a teacher who would like to participate in these events, please email natalie@crestedbuttearts.org
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Makers Market Vendor Sign Up
The Makers Market has become a cherished pre-season tradition in Crested Butte, bringing together community, creativity, and holiday spirit. This curated event features more than 25 local makers, offering one-of-a-kind gifts and handcrafted treasures—just in time for the holidays. 10% of all proceeds support the Trailhead Children’s Museum, helping to provide arts and educational programming for local youth.
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Youth Makers Market Application
The Trailhead is excited to support the Makers Market in hosting the first annual Youth Makers Market — a creative space for 4th–12th graders to showcase and sell their art, crafts, and creations! Participating youth will receive mentorship throughout the process, from application to market day, with guidance on presentation, pricing, and sales.
Important Dates:
Mandatory Market Meeting: Attend one — Wednesday, November 5th, 5:30–7:30 PM or Sunday, November 9th, 3–5 PM
Youth Makers Market: Saturday, November 15th, 9 AM–5 PM
The application is now live! Deadline: October 10th at 7 PM.
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Request for Qualifications: MSU Denver Day Health Institute Tower
The total funding available is $320,000, which will be divided between one artist for each location. The deadline for submission has been extended to Friday, November 14, 2025.
Professional Development
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Business for Your Creative Arts
This engaging online workshop brings together experts in creativity and business who provide their wisdom to nurture your creative enterprises. Uncover the key strategies for thriving as a small business in the creative field and learn how your art can both a source of beauty and a foundation for financial prosperity. Learn more →
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Colorado Small Business Development Center
The SBDC offers a rolling series of online workshops for small businesses to help them with common issues including marketing, contracting, starting a business, etc.
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Crested Butte Creative District Workshops
The Crested Butte Creative District offers a series of workshops during shoulder seasons focusing on topics relevant to local creative professionals. Our next workshop will focus on marketing and branding and will be held on May 21, 2025 at 5:30pm
Get Involved
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Commissioner Application
The Crested Butte Creative District is looking for new Commissioners to help shepherd the future of creative industry in Crested Butte!
