Arts For All 2030: Colorado Creative Industries Strategic Plan 2025-2030

• Our Commitment is to provide programs and services that positively impact the entire state. Our goal is to ensure that every community in Colorado receives the cultural, civic, economic, educational and health benefits of the arts. As one of only a few statewide funders of arts and culture in Colorado, we strive to be equitable in supporting as many organizations as possible. Additionally, we prioritize funding in every legislative district throughout the state—40% of our grants are distributed in rural areas. This often results in grants of smaller sizes to more communities, rather than larger grants to fewer organizations.
• Our Commitment is to design programs with–and for–all communities to meet their unique needs. We acknowledge that roughly 73% of Colorado’s 64 counties are considered rural, yet approximately 13% of the state’s population lives in these areas. Urban communities not only account for a larger share of the population but are also viewed as the centers of commerce. As such, we recognize the rural-urban dichotomy-–a principle that highlights the differing nature of rural and urban spaces—which can manifest in economic, cultural, social, historical, and political differences. 
• Our Commitment is to work toward systemic change, contributing to an ecosystem where Coloradans can thrive in the creative sector. This includes access to basic needs such as affordable housing, workforce training, and healthcare. We balance initiatives designed to create long-term innovative systems change outcomes with direct services that support individual and local community change outcomes. By acting as a conduit, we can help artists access important resources, while also strengthening arts and culture throughout Colorado.

Our Commitment to Equity

We are committed to ensuring that our systems, policies, and everyday work are inspired and driven by the message #ColoradoForALL. Colorado for ALL means working toward a Colorado where there are no barriers to accessing resources or navigating state and community systems based on one's identity. It means we support the human rights of our neighbors regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender presentation, citizenship status, education level, disability, socio-economic status, or any other visible or invisible social identity.

We are especially mindful of historically excluded and marginalized communities who, in the past and the present, are structurally and systemically denied economic, social, political, and environmental resources afforded to other groups, mainly through institutional policies and practices. As a result, we take an anti-oppressive lens in our diversity, equity, and inclusion work to make sure we are addressing the needs of historically marginalized communities.

We work in partnership with the Statewide Equity Office and various Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) thought partners to ensure our agency operates accessibly, equitably, and with positive impact on the communities we serve. In addition, our staff participates in the statewide Equity Alliance, and OEDIT’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee to advance the office’s Strategic Plan.

Specific ways that we carry out these practices include:

• Completing mandatory diversity, equity and inclusion training while supporting team members in pursuing additional training opportunities.
• Designating a staff member as a 504 coordinator and actively participating in a leadership role within the Art of Access Network, where we provide cultural accessibility resources to the field.
• Increasing access to our programs by prioritizing digital accessibility, language access, and accommodations.
• Adhering to equitable best practices in our panel review process by selecting  panelists with diverse backgrounds and providing them with thorough training and guidance.

Our Commitment to Accessibility and Belonging

We are  committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do. We acknowledge and address systemic barriers and are dedicated to addressing them by ensuring accessibility and creating opportunities for marginalized communities.  This includes, but not limited to, people with disabilities, communities of color, Indigenous Peoples, LGBTQIA+ communities, and communities that experience financial barriers to participating in the arts.

As a statewide funding agency, we believe diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-oppression, and accessibility are essential to the success and sustainability of Colorado’s creative industry. We encourage our grantees and partners to foster  equitable environments where everyone, regardless of their abilities or identities, can participate and thrive in the creative economy. We recognize that achieving true equity is a long-term commitment that requires time, education and resources.

Through extensive stakeholder engagement and data collection, we have identified strategic pillars that will guide our priorities over the next five years. These pillars will inform how we allocate budgets, plan staffing and shape our operational work. While the actions listed below reflect ideas gathered during the engagement process, our staff will further define and detail these actions in annual work plans to ensure effective implementation.

Pillar 1: Public Investment + Resources

Providing Critical Support to Colorado’s Creative Industries

The arts are an economic engine. Providing resources, both financial and technical assistance, to arts, culture and creative industries businesses and individual artists is crucial for fostering a thriving arts ecosystem. These resources sustain and grow the creative sector, enabling artists and organizations to innovate, reach wider audiences, and contribute significantly to the state’s cultural and economic vitality. This support ensures that the arts remain accessible and vibrant across all communities.

Goal Statement: Expand economic development opportunities within the creative industries sector.

Objective: Maximize financial support and leverage programming and technical support.

Actions:

• Provide direct access to funding for arts, culture and creative industries.
• Explore sustainable, ongoing funding streams.
• Fund general operations and support capital projects through the Colorado Creates and Community Revitalization Tax Credit programs.
• Leverage state dollars through collaborative partnership grants including Arts in Society and Equity in Arts Learning for Colorado Youth.
• Launch an “innovation fund” to meet communities where they are through support of innovative activities, events and projects that do not fit into existing programs yet are aligned with our priorities.
• Formalize an annual evaluation system for grant programs to streamline processes and increase accessibility to the public.
• Facilitate increased and coordinated funding through public-private and philanthropic partnerships.
• Build capacity and infrastructure within the creative industries sector through knowledge-sharing, tools, resources, and evidence-based practices.
• Facilitate connections with funders and share information and resources about funding opportunities at the national and local level; Explore pathways to support venture fund opportunities for creative companies.
• Explore the potential for funding individual artists through a statewide Artists prize or fellowship.
• Work directly with local governments, artists, and arts organizations in communities to help develop creative placemaking and placekeeping strategies that respond to unique economic, physical, and social challenges by integrating arts, design and cultural resources.

Pillar 2: Programs and Partnerships

Ensuring the Vitality of Colorado’s Creative Industries

The arts are essential to local communities. Conducting an in-depth review and analysis of current programs is crucial for us to ensure resources are effectively utilized. This process will help identify which programs are delivering the most value and impact, allowing the agency to make informed decisions about which initiatives to continue, modify, or phase out. Ultimately, this will enhance the overall effectiveness and sustainability of Colorado’s arts and cultural offerings, as well as maximize resources.

Goal Statement: Determine our future focus to ensure the effective utilization of resources and enhance the overall sustainability and impact of our offerings.

Objective: Conduct thorough and deliberate analysis of all current programs to identify high-impact initiatives; augment, adapt or transition out, as needed.

Actions:

• Clarify our role vis a vis partners’ roles; identify our focus(es) and communicate widely.
• Review data from previous years to analyze reach, impact, benefit and budget and resource allocation of our programs.
• Conduct customer satisfaction mapping exercises to identify which programs are being utilized.
• Bring relevant best practices from other states to Colorado.
• Develop the leadership pipeline in arts, culture and creative industries with a focus on enhancing opportunities for historically marginalized groups.
• Evolve Creative District program and identify sustainable funding sources.
• Strengthen orientation program and develop a mentoring program for new creative district directors.
• Leverage Change Leaders program with more meetups and networking.
• Audit and update the Annual CCI Summit to better align frequency, location, topics and stakeholders with industry demand.
• Develop plans for programs that are being phased out including communications, transitional technical assistance, possible bridge funding, and identification of a partner to lead in future.
• Enhance partnerships with arts education partners to increase arts education opportunities and support lifelong learning.
• Develop alliances with more major statewide entities.

Pillar 3: Public Policy and Education

Making Colorado the Best Place for Creative Industries

The arts have a social impact. Public policy efforts are vital to strengthening Colorado’s creative industries sector. By raising awareness of and promoting supportive policies, the state can ensure that creative enterprises receive the recognition and resources they need to thrive while serving as conduits for addressing community priorities and social challenges. These efforts will help cultivate a robust arts community throughout the state, driving economic growth and enriching the cultural landscape for all residents.

Goal Statement: Support the Colorado Creative Industries ecosystem.

Objective: Clarify our role in garnering support for the creative industries at a systemic level and determine best approaches to partnerships.

Actions:

• Continue championing creative initiatives and fostering collaboration, CCI can ensure the arts play a vital role in building a thriving and equitable future for all.
• Conduct gap analysis based on identified role, and identify opportunities.
• Produce research, statistics, and general information about the arts for the benefit of the arts sector and beyond.
• Support local communities in seeking additional and municipal funding.
• Develop alignment with regional and statewide arts organizations regarding strategic planning efforts.
• Engage in and support the Colorado Statewide Arts Policy Framework.
• Prioritize top social issues related to the creative industries sector success (for example: health care, housing, transportation, and others).
• Partner with state agency peers to identify opportunities for involvement and integration.
• Create a semi-annual statewide economic impact report aligned with other existing arts and culture data projects.
• Strengthen the arts education ecosystem through access to arts education for arts learners of all ages and abilities, educator professional development and teaching artist capacity.

Pillar 4: Marketing and Storytelling

Amplifying Voices of the Communities We Serve

The arts unify communities. A statewide marketing plan is essential to highlight the significant economic and cultural contributions of Colorado’s creative industries. By promoting these creative industries, the state can attract more tourists, investors, artists, and aspiring talent, ultimately boosting local economies and fostering vibrant, innovative communities. This initiative will also help to raise awareness about the diverse artistic and cultural offerings available throughout Colorado and encourage more people to engage with and support the creative sector as partners, patrons, donors and supporters.

Goal Statement: Increase public support and recognition for the value and impact of Colorado’s Creative Industry Sector.

Objective: Develop and launch a statewide, multi-year storytelling campaign that elevates arts and culture.

Actions:

• Research successful models in other states.
• Hire a Marketing and Outreach Manager to increase our reach across the state, enabling more communities to utilize arts resources to build their economy and communities.
• Create umbrella brand and tagline.
• Utilize digital and social media to better amplify our grants and programs.
• Create other visual and digital assets and collateral.
• Expand partnerships with relevant Colorado State agencies.
• Develop toolkits and resources that can be utilized by Creative Districts and other partners to activate at local level.
• Organize a roadshow and leverage our programs.
• Utilize film and media to establish consistent avenues for highlighting creative industries.
• Serve as a statewide creative hub and resource navigator.
• Support the America 250-Colorado 150 Commission with programming centered on elevating the diverse arts and culture.

Pillar 5: Engagement and Outreach

Connecting with Communities

The arts improve quality of life. From rural towns to the urban corridor, arts and creativity enrich Colorado's communities. They celebrate local culture and foster connection, cohesion, and the entrepreneurial spirit vital for thriving places. To maximize its impact on the creative industries, CCI must communicate effectively about its programs and offerings. By clearly outlining the benefits and opportunities available, we can ensure that artists, businesses, and organizations are well-informed and can fully utilize the support offered. Enhanced communication will lead to increased participation, collaboration, and growth within the creative sector.

Goal Statement: Expand our services to new audiences and communities to enhance the state’s creative economy.

Objective: Communicate benefits available through CCI as Colorado’s designated statewide Arts agency.

Actions:

• Create and disseminate CCI Annual report.
• Invest in language access as well as accessibility in physical and digital spaces to remove barriers.
• Support the field with cultural accessibility training and resources.
• Strengthen role of CCI as a convenor through peer learning opportunities and regional and industry specific networking events.
• Develop handbooks on common challenges, “how-to” guides.
• Develop an outreach plan (webinars, road shows) to articulate our programs and initiatives and impact.
• Prioritize data-driven methods to broaden and deepen engagement with underserved communities.
• Assign  staff to specific regions, to increase our reach across the state, enabling more communities to utilize arts resources to build their economy and communities.
• Serve as a clearing house and create a resource hub for subscriptions, platforms.
• Strengthen efforts to share information about how to access basic business services, back of house support, legal, health insurance, and other essential resources.
• Equip CCI Council members with key messaging to elevate them as representatives.
• Improve training and resources for the CCI council, Change Leader and Creative District networks and other local partners.