The Colorado Health Foundation supports New Cottage Arts
New Cottage Arts Awarded grant from The Colorado Health Foundation to Expand Inclusive Music & Art Education in Denver
New Cottage Arts (NCA) is honored to announce that we have received a grant from The Colorado Health Foundation to support our Inspire and Thrive initiative: Inclusive Music and Art Education for Empowering Resiliency in Youth. This multiyear investment allows us to continue building safe, inclusive, and healing-centered creative spaces for youth and families across Denver—especially in neighborhoods most impacted by disconnection, displacement, and limited access to arts education.
This support strengthens our capacity to deliver free, year-round music and art programs, expand our mental health–supportive teaching practices, and deepen youth leadership opportunities through projects like the Youth Advisory Council, Youth Artists-in-Residence, and community-rooted showcase events.
Why This Grant Matters for Our Community
At New Cottage Arts, we believe creativity is essential—not extracurricular. Many of the youth we serve are navigating difficult transitions, including newcomer journeys, housing instability, and intergenerational trauma. Access to consistent, caring, culturally responsive art and music education is more than enrichment; it is a stabilizing force.
With support from the Foundation, NCA will be able to:
Expand daily music and arts classes for newcomer and refugee youth
Build leadership pathways for youth ages 12–19 through mentorship, career exploration, and paid creative opportunities
Strengthen mental health supports through healing-centered arts practices
Host community-building events and showcases that uplift youth voice and neighborhood belonging
Invest in staff development, helping our team continue to grow in culturally inclusive, trauma-informed, and youth-centered teaching
This funding sustains our commitment to long-term community wellness, access, trust, and inclusiveness—cornerstones of our organizational values.
A Grateful Partnership
We share our deepest appreciation with The Colorado Health Foundation for this transformative support and for the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to bringing health in reach for all Coloradans.
As required, here is the Foundation’s official description:
The Colorado Health Foundation is bringing health in reach for all Coloradans by engaging closely with communities across the state through investing, policy advocacy, learning and capacity building.
Our Inspire and Thrive program aligns closely with this vision, helping youth build resilience, social connection, and emotional wellbeing through the arts.
Youth Voices at the Center
A long-time NCA participant, Taylor J., a junior at East High School, reflected recently on how NCA’s instructors have shaped her growth:
“My instructors always checked in and made sure I felt safe and supported. They didn’t just help me grow as a vocalist—they helped me grow emotionally. NCA has been the most consistent place for my mental health and wellbeing.”
Her words remind us why this work—and this partnership—matters.
Stay Connected
We look forward to sharing updates about our progress throughout the year.
Follow along as youth continue creating, leading, and transforming their communities through art.
If you share this announcement on social media, please consider tagging the Foundation:
Facebook: @ColoradoHealth
Instagram: @cohealthfdn
LinkedIn: The Colorado Health Foundation
Hashtag: #COHealth
For media inquiries or partnership opportunities, please contact:
sol@newcottagearts.org