Denver Replaces Jazz Festival with Year-Round Fund

Denver Arts & Venues has announced the discontinuation of the Five Points Jazz Festival, a beloved event that has been part of the city's cultural landscape for over 20 years. In its place, a new initiative called the Five Points Jazz Activation Fund will be launched, providing $225,000 in grants for year-round jazz programming in the historic Five Points neighborhood. This shift is attributed to changing neighborhood needs and rising production costs that made the single-day festival less practical. The fund aims to support local businesses, nonprofits, and artists, enhancing the cultural vibrancy of Five Points, which was once known as the 'Harlem of the West'. Applications for the grants will open in early 2025, as city officials seek to invest more directly in the local jazz scene. This transition reflects a commitment to preserving the rich jazz heritage of the area while adapting to contemporary challenges.