1000 Sparks Project For The Arts and Mental Health

Five years ago, Henry Austin donated $300 from his own piggy bank to help transform the NozCaboose, a retired caboose now turned artist studio. He saw how that space came alive to support local artists. Two years ago, he wrote a story that was selected for the Colorado New Play Festival's Youth Storytelling Slam. Watching actors bring his words to life on stage opened something powerful inside him — a realization that creativity can change the course of a person’s life.

“I’ve seen how the arts can help kids deal with anxiety, depression, and just feeling alone,” Henry said. “We talk about mental health, but we don’t fund innovative programs that actually help. I wanted to do something so I am donating my first week’s salary of $500 to the fundraising effort.”

One of the main reasons why the 1000 Sparks Project was created and why we wanted to do this was because we saw the need to ensure the future of the arts.

The second reason was for mental health because if we raise the $1,000,000 dollars, we will be able to support: Prescription for the Arts - where doctors prescribe art experiences to people who are struggling and need healing and hope; Wildhorse Cinema & Arts - a space where creativity, film, and performance come together for everyone; and All Arts Week - a free festival that brings artists of all ages together across our community.

The campaign is about more than money — it’s about changing the narrative.

“Adults always say kids are the future,” Henry said. “So why aren’t we giving them the tools to imagine one?”

The funds raised will be managed through Undiscovered Earth, a 501c3 nonprofit committed to arts accessibility, community, creativity and cultural vibrancy in Northwest Colorado and beyond.