Colorado Creative Arts Districts
In 2011, the Colorado legislature passed HB11-1031 encouraging the formation of Creative Districts in communities, neighborhoods or contiguous geographic areas, for the purposes of:
The state's creative districts are capitalizing on Colorado's creative assets to grow their local economy and to improve the quality of life for their residents. The goal of this program is to help Colorado Creative Districts achieve the administrative structure, funding streams, community engagement process, strategic plan and staff structure that provide both immediate sustainability and opportunities to evolve.
The program is meant to develop the capacity and sustainability of creative districts as an economic and community development tool. It is set up as an incubator to assist creative districts with a variety of elements that will ensure success.
In 2014, the Colorado legislature passed and Governor Hickenlooper signed into law HB14-1093 creating the formation of a creative district community loan fund to promote growth and sustainability in the creative industries in Colorado’s creative districts by providing access to capital to grow creative sector employment and infrastructure. For more information about the community loan fund, contact Creative Industries at 303-892-3840.
- Attracting artists and creative entrepreneurs to a community, infusing new energy and innovation, which in turn will enhance the economic and civic capital of the community.
- Creating hubs of economic activity, thereby enhancing the area as an appealing place to live, visit and conduct business, as well as create new economic activity;
- Attracting visitors;
- Revitalizing and beautifying communities;
- Providing a focal point for celebrating and strengthening a community’s unique identity;
- Showcasing cultural and artistic organizations, events and amenities;
- Contributing to the development of healthy communities; and
- Improving the quality of life of the State’s residents.
The state's creative districts are capitalizing on Colorado's creative assets to grow their local economy and to improve the quality of life for their residents. The goal of this program is to help Colorado Creative Districts achieve the administrative structure, funding streams, community engagement process, strategic plan and staff structure that provide both immediate sustainability and opportunities to evolve.
The program is meant to develop the capacity and sustainability of creative districts as an economic and community development tool. It is set up as an incubator to assist creative districts with a variety of elements that will ensure success.
In 2014, the Colorado legislature passed and Governor Hickenlooper signed into law HB14-1093 creating the formation of a creative district community loan fund to promote growth and sustainability in the creative industries in Colorado’s creative districts by providing access to capital to grow creative sector employment and infrastructure. For more information about the community loan fund, contact Creative Industries at 303-892-3840.
Colorado Flag, Image Courtesy of Patriot Wood