co-production program 2026

The Dairy Arts Center’s Co-Production Program is designed to support bold, original, and collaborative productions by expanding access and reducing financial barriers to emerging and innovative artists. As Boulder’s premier multidisciplinary arts center, the Dairy invites local, regional, and national artists and organizations to co-produce performances in theater, dance, music, film, and more—offering free venue rental, a production stipend of up to $5,000, and an equitable revenue-sharing model. This opportunity is ideal for those seeking to connect with new audiences and bring creative ideas to life in a collaborative and supportive environment. Whether you’re an established presenter or emerging artist, we encourage you to apply and be part of a program that champions creative risk and cultural inclusion.

Purpose:

The Dairy Arts Center provides diverse opportunities to create, learn, and engage in high quality performing, cinematic, and visual arts experiences. As Boulder’s premier multidisciplinary arts center, the goal of the Dairy Arts Co-Production Program is to offer the local, regional, and national arts community expanded access and affordability by providing low risk opportunities to perform at the Dairy Arts Center and engage new audiences through innovative, underrepresented, and emerging art forms.

Timeline

Associated events must take place at the Dairy Arts Center between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027

Structure

Events produced by successful applicants (presenters) will be considered co-productions of the Dairy Arts Center in which the Dairy effectively partners with the presenter under the supervision and guidance of the Dairy’s Director of Programs. In lieu of venue rental charged to the presenter, the Dairy offers a revenue sharing model that minimizes the financial risk of these programs, ranging from 20% – 80% depending on the needs of the event. Ticket revenue is intended to recoup costs and create equitable wages for artists, but is not intended to generate profit for any individual artist or organization.

Implementation

• Successful applicants (presenters) will be connected with the Dairy Arts Center Operations staff to reserve calendar dates for their choice of venue and execute a co-production contract during the month of December 2025.
• All official communications and notifications will be made to the named individual designated as the organization contact. It is this person’s responsibility to communicate the Dairy Arts Center requirements of the program to collaborators or other participants. This includes, but is not limited to, requirements for compliance with the Dairy’s co-production contract, identifying Dairy Arts Center support on publicity materials, and reporting.
• Presenters shall implement programs / projects as outlined in the co-production program application. Any change to the project, venue, schedule, or staff /team members, or designated contact information must be reported to Dairy Arts Center Staff
• All publicity for Dairy Arts Center co-produced projects must include the Dairy Arts Center Logo. The presenter must sign a release form and submit photographs and/or videos of the project that the Dairy Arts Center may use on its website, social media, printed materials or for any other publicity purpose.
• A project report will be due 1 month or (31 days) after the event has been completed. Reports must be completed using the form below. Please email Shay Wescott, Development Manager with any questions or issues.