Colorado certifies seven new creative districts

DENVER — Seven communities across Colorado have been certified as new Creative Districts, expanding the state’s network of arts and culture hubs that drive local economies and strengthen community identity, Gov. Jared Polis and the Colorado Creative Industries division of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade announced Wednesday.

Six of the newly certified districts are in rural areas, including Boulder, Jefferson, La Plata, San Juan and Summit counties. The new districts are Estes Arts District, Evergreen Creative District, Ignacio Creative District, Lyons Creative District, North Boulder (NoBo) Art District, Silverthorne Creative District and Silverton Creative District.

“In Colorado, Creative Districts play an incredibly important role in supporting our thriving and growing arts and culture economy,” Polis said. “These seven new Creative Districts will create jobs, strengthen local economies and provide spaces for innovation and creativity to flourish across our state.”

The Creative Districts program recognizes communities that use arts and culture to boost jobs, income and investment. In Colorado, arts and culture contribute $19.7 billion to the state’s economy, about 3.7 percent of its total, and support more than 121,000 jobs. With these new certifications, Colorado now has 37 designated Creative Districts statewide.

“The Colorado Creative Districts program is a cornerstone of our efforts to empower all Coloradans to thrive in our economy,” said Eve Lieberman, OEDIT executive director. “By investing in these creative hubs, we are not only supporting artists and entrepreneurs but also strengthening the unique identity and economic vitality of our communities.”

To earn certification, each district demonstrated a strong commitment to the arts through local government support, a concentration of creative businesses and organizations, diverse funding sources, paid staff and a strategic plan.

“CCI welcomes these creative communities into Colorado’s growing network of certified Creative Districts,” said CCI Director Josh Blanchard. “Each new district shows a strong local commitment to arts and culture, backed by a plan that guides their long-term success. We’re excited to support these unique cultural hubs that reflect Colorado’s vibrant spirit.”

Certified Creative Districts receive financial assistance, access to leadership training and marketing support, highway signage through the Colorado Department of Transportation and opportunities to collaborate within the statewide network.

The announcement follows continued state investment in Colorado’s creative sector. Earlier this year, CCI launched the Colorado Community Revitalization Tax Credit to support capital projects that incorporate housing, retail, childcare and community spaces.

Colorado Creative Industries, the state’s arts agency, promotes and supports the creative sector as a key driver of the state’s economy and quality of life.