COMMITMENT #1
BROADEN ACCESS TO ARTS AND CULTURE
The strategies under Broaden Access to Arts and Culture provide actionable ways of advancing equity, boosting participation and supporting arts in Denver’s neighborhoods by addressing barriers to funding, engagement and access. Actions are driven by feedback from the arts and culture sector and are focused on making arts and culture more inclusive and accessible.
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STRATEGY
ADVANCE EQUITY AND ACCESS IN ARTS AND CULTURE FUNDING
VOICES OF THE COMMUNITY
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Research highlights barriers to affordability, equitable access and sustainable funding, especially for historically marginalized groups.
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To make funding opportunities more accessible, artists need clearer processes.
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Limited awareness of available funding opportunities hinders access for artists, especially early-career artists.
ACTION STEPS
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Advocate for and implement equitable and inclusive processes in arts and culture funding to ensure opportunities for applicants and grantees are accessible and impactful.
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Center equity and inclusion in grant-making and commit to regularly evaluating processes to continually align with new goals and best practices.
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STRATEGY
REDUCE BARRIERS TO AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT
VOICES OF THE COMMUNITY
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Over half of residents cite time (55%) and cost (51%) as barriers to attending events.
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The need for accessible, welcoming spaces that foster a sense of belonging, especially for marginalized communities, was emphasized.
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Despite a 65% increase in attendance at SCFD-funded organizations, overall cultural participation remains below pre-pandemic levels.
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About two-thirds of residents expressed a desire to participate more in arts, culture and creativity but are held back by existing barriers.
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Nearly half of Denver residents (47%) continue to face difficulties due to a lack of information about events, especially younger audiences under 35.
ACTION STEPS
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Develop clear and consistent methods of marketing arts and culture offerings in Denver to showcase the creative sector.
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Identify and remove barriers, such as time, venue access, cost and/or sense of belonging, to increase participation in arts and culture, in particular for historically underrepresented community members.
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STRATEGY
SUPPORT ARTS AND CULTURE IN NEIGHBORHOODS
VOICES OF THE COMMUNITY
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88% of residents believe arts, culture and creativity bring communities together, up from 82% in 2020.
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87% of residents agree that arts, culture and creativity help connect them with others and create active, unique neighborhoods.
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Since 2020, there has been a 10% increase in residents who rate arts, culture and creativity in their neighborhood as poor.
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Only 45% of residents in 2024 believed it is easy to find and experience arts and culture in their neighborhood, down from 55% in 2017.
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The vast majority (85%) of arts and culture attendees consider these venues important pillars in their communities, and 88% feel a sense of pride from events in their neighborhoods.
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Concerns about gentrification and displacement were raised, affecting both artists and the broader community.
ACTION STEPS
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Create and support neighborhood-led arts and cultural activities that celebrate community identity, promote belonging, support wellness, preserve local histories and unite neighborhoods across the city.
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Develop and invest in cultural partnerships that strengthen neighborhoods and convey the value of arts and culture.