Colorado Gov. Hickenlooper Certifies Two Creative Districts
On Friday, March 9th, Gov. John Hickenlooper announced the formal certification of two new Colorado Creative Districts: Downtown Salida and Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe. The districts each received a $15,000 grant and assistance to attract artists, creative entrepreneurs and visitors as a strategy to infuse new energy and innovation, and also to enhance the economic and civic capital of the community. The program is administered by the Office of Economic Development and International Trade through the Colorado Creative Industries division.
“Colorado is filled with vibrant centers of commerce, culture and creativity, and is a magnet for creative workers,” Hickenlooper said. “The formation of Creative Districts provides visitors and residents with an opportunity to participate and invest in the arts, while contributing to the economic vitality of the region and attracting creative entrepreneurs and artists.”
Forty-four different districts from 25 counties applied for the designation. In addition to the two Certified Creative Districts, five applicants were designated as Prospective Creative Districts and will each receive $8,000 and a customized package of technical assistance to enhance the likelihood that they will be certified in the future.
- Longmont Arts & Entertainment District
- Town of Ridgway
- Downtown Pueblo
- Town of Telluride
- Denver’s River North Arts District or RiNO
Eight were designated as Emerging Creative Districts and will each receive $2,000 and technical assistance to further their district planning.
- Downtown Parker
- City of Trinidad
- Downtown Greeley
- Aurora Arts District
- 40 West Arts District, Lakewood
- Downtown Colorado Springs
- Durango Business Improvement District
- North Fork Valley in Delta County