Developing Colorado Economies Through Art

Here in Colorado, our economy has been slowly recovering from the past two years and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) is making moves to assist the growth of our local economy. Let's take a look at what this Community Revitalization Grant is and the impacts it will have on Colorado.

What is the Community Revitalization Grant?

According to the OEDIT press release, "this program is intended to help creative districts, historic districts, main streets and neighborhood commercial centers across Colorado revitalize community spaces." The grant also supports these organizations with the goal of economic recovery and diversification:

• Creative industry workforce housing.
• Commercial spaces.Performance space.
• Community gathering spaces.
• Child care centers.
• Retail partnerships

The grant offers up to $3 million per project if the request is accepted.

The Economic Power of Creative Industries

OEDIT reports that creative industries, which have suffered as a result of the pandemic, are important to the local economy. The Colorado Office reports that, in 2020, creative industries employed 92,000 Coloradans, all while generating $12 billion in industry earnings that year. The goal of the grant is to support their contributions to creative supporting entrepreneurs, community non-profit organizations and other artisans.

New Benefactors of the Community Revitalization Grant

In August 2022,  there were three new recipients of the Community Revitalization Grant:

1. Golden, Colorado

The city of Golden received $2,500,000 to turn a closed hardware store into the Miners Alley Performing Arts Center. This will include a "state-of-the-art theater complex with a 300-seat theater, two units of artist housing, classrooms, public spaces, and a town square for the entire community," according to the press release.

2. Gunnison, Colorado

In order to renovate the 139-year-old Gunnison Arts Center Renovation, Gunnison has received $1,550,000. The center has a long history of connecting the nearby university, businesses, nonprofits and the local creative economy. The Gunnison Arts Center Renovation suggests that an improved center will allow it to "bolster creative entrepreneurs in the community."

3. Aurora, Colorado

Aurora Arts Facility Renovation is another center that will be the benefactor of $197,000 to continue its renovation efforts. The facility's main goal is to expand "artistic programming and opportunities for diverse segments of the population to develop their art." The center also claims to be an important part of its local economy's diversification.

In its August press release, OEDIT reported that the Director of Colorado Creative Industries,  Margaret Hunt said, "This represents an important contribution to Colorado's economy, yet we know performing arts organizations and the live music industry are still working to restore pre-pandemic jobs and earnings. These Community Revitalization grants will help advance the creative industries in Colorado and contribute to continued recovery. We want to see these communities and the creatives who call them home thrive."

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