About the Urban Enhancement Trust Fund

This program is designed to fund Art projects throughout the City of Albuquerque.

The Urban Enhancement Trust Fund (UETF) is a public endowment created by the Albuquerque City Council in 1983.  UETF is a two-year program with planning, application, review, and selection process. UETF supports projects that enhance and enrich Arts and Culture for city residents.

Overview

At the most basic level, this is how the process works:

1. Organizations apply for UETF Funds.
2. The UETF Board reviews applications and recommends grantees.
3. The Mayor and City Council approves grantees.
4. Organizations receive funds.
5. Organizations report on activities funded.
6. The Public enjoys Arts and Cultural events in Albuquerque.

Who Governs the UETF?

The UETF ordinance provides for an eleven-member board called the UETF Board that is responsible for establishing guidelines. The UETF Board, with Staff input, develops criteria for project selection for each two-year granting cycle, and are responsible for reviewing and scoring each proposal.

What the UETF Funds

The UETF funds projects, not operating expenses. Proposals for arts and cultural services projects must be submitted by non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c) (3) organizations or a collective or community group in partnership with one. The organization must be dedicated to enhancing the arts in greater Albuquerque, including music, theater, dance, creative writing, visual art, performance art, installation, photography, film, teaching artists, arts education, culturally-based craft workers and culture bearers. Below are the important criteria used to evaluate each project.

1. All projects must take place within the Albuquerque city limits.
2. All projects should have a favorable economic or cultural impact on the city.
3. UETF funds music, theater, dance, creative writing, visual art, performance art, installation, photography, film, teaching artists, arts education, culturally-based craft workers and culture bearers.
   

Projects Funded in the Past Include:

• Arts/cultural educational workshops at community centers, schools, senior centers, and other public venues.
• Performances, exhibits, or cultural festivals.
• Audio, video, or electronic productions.
• Oral histories, cultural research, or plans.
• Historical or literary publications and programs.

View archives of past projects funded by UETF.

 For more information about Albuquerque's Urban Enhancement Trust Fund and how to apply, contact the UETF Project Coordinator at [email protected].