COMMITMENT #3
SUPPORT THE ECONOMIC VITALITY OF DENVER'S CULTURAL SECTOR
The strategies under Support the Economic Vitality of Denver’s Cultural Sector advance Denver’s economic vitality by addressing critical needs in affordable arts spaces, increased funding and retention of local talent. By enhancing collaboration, expanding resources and fostering an environment conducive to creative growth, this commitment seeks to strengthen Denver's role as a thriving hub for arts and culture.
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STRATEGY
INCREASE ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY OF ARTS SPACES
VOICES OF THE COMMUNITY
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Artists and cultural workers emphasized that shared arts spaces are essential for fostering community connections where residents can engage with one another and build stronger relationships.
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These spaces are seen as key to creating environments where people can meet their needs and support one another, reinforcing the importance of accessibility and affordability in the arts.
ACTION STEPS
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Develop residency opportunities and programs that support underrepresented communities by repurposing vacant venues.
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Make arts programming and workspaces more affordable by addressing cost barriers through innovative funding models, partnerships and resource-sharing solutions.
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STRATEGY
EXPAND ARTS AND CULTURE FUNDING
VOICES OF THE COMMUNITY
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Colorado ranks 46th in per-capita spending on arts and culture, with one of the lowest levels of state arts funding in the western U.S.
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The arts and cultural sector experienced a significant economic recovery in 2022, driven by federal pandemic relief funds and record-breaking individual giving.
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The direct economic impact of organizations funded by the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) in 2022 amounted to $827 million, a sharp increase from $435 million in 2020.
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Artists and cultural workers now more strongly believe that funding for arts and culture is essential for a thriving, economically vibrant city, not just a luxury.
ACTION STEPS
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Foster cross-sector funding partnerships that prioritize equitable access to resources and opportunities.
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Expand funding to support local talent and creative initiatives in neighborhoods across Denver while addressing funding gaps across artistic disciplines.
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STRATEGY
RETAIN LOCAL TALENT AND RESOURCES
VOICES OF THE COMMUNITY
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Denver’s affordability crisis is a significant challenge for artists, with rising living and operational costs making it increasingly difficult for many to sustain their work locally.
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Almost one in three residents in Denver identifies as an artist, and the city has a higher concentration of artists and cultural workers compared to many other cities.
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Many artists and cultural workers shared that they could no longer afford to live in Denver, which also led to a decline in local funding opportunities and resources.
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Denver’s creative business sector is large, with nearly 200 arts and entertainment businesses, including more than 100 independent artists, yet many in the sector still struggle with affordability and burnout.
ACTION STEPS
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Build collaborative industry relationships to share resources, knowledge and information to strengthen mutual support across sectors.
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Develop and implement creative solutions to provide affordable housing options for local artists to enable them to live and work in Denver.