Emphasizing creativity: 125 grants awarded to arts organizations

DENVER (KDVR) — Humans have scattered around the globe and formed civilizations in just about every corner of the world. With many differences between physical makeup, culture and ways of living, there is one constant that will follow humans no matter where they go: art.

It is human nature to create and express ourselves and alongside every successful community in the history of humankind, you will find art in some form.

To help strengthen communities in Colorado, Gov. Jared Polis and the Colorado Creative Industries Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade announced they have awarded 125 grants to arts organizations across 33 Colorado counties.

The organizations awarded the Colorado Creates grants will receive a share of more than $1.8 million over the course of two years during the funding window.

“Colorado’s arts and culture scene are an important part of who we are and a major contributor to our thriving economy. As someone who grew up around artists in my family, I know firsthand the impact art can have. We are thrilled to support the great work Coloradans are doing to support art and culture,” said Gov. Polis.

One priority with this round of grants was to uplift art organizations in rural counties. These counties received 40% of the Colorado Creates grants with 24% of the organizations being the smallest of the state and operating on a budget of less than $100,000.

The National Endowment for the Arts researched art organizations in rural counties and found information that suggests that rural counties with art programs have increased population growth and higher household incomes than counties without art programs.

In a survey, two out of three rural businesses stated that arts and entertainment are important to attracting and retaining workers.

“Arts and cultural production accounts for 3.7% of the Colorado economy, contributing 104,163 jobs, due in large part to Colorado’s dedicated, diverse nonprofit arts and culture organizations supported through the Colorado Creates grant,” said Director of Colorado Creative Industries, Josh Blanchard. “This year’s Colorado Creates grant cycle was the most competitive in recent years. We applaud the talented organizations that contribute to Colorado’s vibrant economy, enhancing the quality of life for residents throughout the state.”

Colorado Creates grants were received by 150 applicants in counties all across Colorado. Some notable awardees include The Cortez Cultural Center, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and the Phamaly Theatre Company.

The Cortez Cultural Center focuses on educating those on the history of Montezuma County through a variety of different art programs like the Young People in Recovery program and the Book Anthology Project.

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is a nonprofit organization that plays host to countless theatre acts traveling through Denver. Offering shows for children to adults, the theatre company grants the community access to classic and emerging shows.

The Phamaly Theatre Company in Denver creates opportunities for those with disabilities to take to the stage and perform a variety of theatre acts. Their goal is to upend conventional narratives by modeling a disability-affirmative theatrical process.

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