Colorado Creative Industries

One year ago, Governor Polis, Colorado Creative Industries and Colorado Humanities announced Andrea Gibson as the Poet Laureate for 2023-2025. ✍️ Gibson, a Boulder-based queer activist, author, and slam poet has participated in statewide readings and events to serve as an advocate for poetry, literacy, and literature all while undergoing chemotherapy. Their uplifting point of view has become a source of inspiration for all who have had the privilege of listening to their work. In our latest impact story, Gibson took some time to respond to OEDIT’s questions and look back on their first year as the Poet Laureate 👇 https://lnkd.in/gAMgEqcJ

This summer, Folk and Traditional Arts Project grant recipients hosted an “Intro to Cowboy Boot Making” class at Rocky Mountain Folk School. 🤠👢 The leather-working class was led by the renowned Jim Brainard of J.B. Custom Leather and offered valuable insight into the craft and the significance of hands-on learning. The grant, run by the Colorado Creative Industries division of OEDIT, helps preserve, celebrate and document the local artistic traditions and heritage of unique Colorado communities for future generations. Learn more about this immersive experience and the value of preserving Folk and Traditional Arts in this Sky-Hi News piece 👇 https://lnkd.in/ggA3Cgqs

Creating live/work spaces helps Coloradans thrive while supporting an important sector of the State’s economy. The creative industries make up 3.9% of the workforce and contribute $16.8 billion to Colorado’s economy. Arts contribute to our culture and a strong community, and when artists and individuals working in the creative industries have access to affordable live/work spaces they are more likely to thrive. Check out the full impact story 👇

We’re excited to hear that Mancos Commons, a recipient of the Community Revitalization Grant from the Colorado Creative Industries division of OEDIT, is now officially open. The 4,000-square-foot, two-story, mixed-use development building will include three single-bedroom workforce housing units, large workshop space, and retail and office space. Providing crucial space for this southwestern Colorado community located in Montezuma County. The grant supports creative sector capital projects including studio, performance, and arts education spaces while incorporating affordable housing, childcare, retail, and other community spaces. The program was established in 2021 and has helped create over 598 housing units. Learn more with The Colorado Sun about Mancos Commons and its local community impact 👇 https://lnkd.in/ehVSZB-K

Are you interested in applying for CCI’s Folk and Traditional Arts Project Grant, but need help with your application? To support Folk and Traditional Arts Project Grant applicants, Colorado Creative Industries has developed a Grant Navigator program through which applicants can meet one-on-one by phone or video conferencing with consultants to get answers to questions, receive feedback on draft application materials, and get assistance in navigating the application process. To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit https://lnkd.in/gkPAxHxA or email Libby Barbee at [email protected].

Colorado Creative Industries is creating its next strategic plan, and we need your input on what’s working well, what’s needed, and what big ideas we should consider. Join a public conversation and help shape our statewide priorities. How’s Colorado’s arts and culture sector doing today? What are our biggest needs and opportunities? How can Colorado Creative Industries support the statewide arts, culture and creative industries ecosystem? You tell us! Take the survey by August 8, 2024 👉 https://lnkd.in/gx2VEKfx

Su Teatro, a 52-year-old Chicano theater in Denver, will be expanding with the acquisition of the 4,404-square-foot “Blue Building” across the street from their location. 🎭 The expansion demonstrates the company’s commitment to maintain the neighborhood's cultural identity and present themselves firmly as a cultural hub. Through the Community Revitalization Grant, Colorado Creative Industries division of OEDIT provided support for this expansion. Learn about Su Teatro’s rich history and how they value independent ownership in this Denver Westword article ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/g8jeV9XU

Are you an artist, arts administrator, emerging or established leader, and/or local changemaker working through collaboration to build a better Colorado through arts and culture? Are you looking for ways to strengthen your leadership skills and develop a statewide network of creative changemakers? CCI is now accepting applications for the CO Change Leader Program, a leadership program designed to build effective and ethical leaders and leadership pipelines for stronger Colorado creative communities and industries. Applications are open July 1 through August 30, 2024. Learn more on the program website: https://lnkd.in/gMHR_UuY, or by emailing [email protected]

CCI is now accepting applications for the Folk and Traditional Arts Project Grant! The Folk and Traditional Arts Project Grant is dedicated to celebrating, documenting, and preserving Colorado’s cultural heritage through folk and traditional arts. Individuals and organizations alike are welcome to apply for these $3,000 grants. This program aims to enhance community well being, encompassing belonging, cultural identity, economic vitality, and sense of place. Applications open July 1 through September 30, 2024. Learn more on the grant website: https://lnkd.in/gkPAxHxA or by emailing [email protected].

Join the Art of Access network and register for the upcoming session, Creating an IDEA - Adding “A” to DEI! This session will be via Zoom on Tuesday, June 4, 12 - 1 PM. It’s free and open to everyone . Please register using this link: https://lnkd.in/gxAbEZ99 The Art of Access, a group dedicated to advancing inclusive and accessible practices for arts practitioners from across the state, is proud to offer new opportunities for informal gatherings for networking, resource sharing, and conversation. In Session #1, we'll look at accessibility from a macro level, as well as discuss the A in IDEA work. With more and more organizations implementing policies and committees surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), how does Accessibility factor into the formula? How do we make accessibility a key component and not an afterthought? Image Credit: Amanda Freymuth, Access Gallery Creative Services