Finding Compassion in Poetry: Q&A with the Poet Laureate of Colorado, Andrea Gibson

Every two to four years, the Governor chooses the Poet Laureate to promote an appreciation of poetry in the state and honor outstanding Colorado poets. This position, created in partnership with the Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) division of OEDIT and Colorado Humanities, is an advocate for poetry, literacy, and literature who participates in public readings and other events statewide. In September 2023, Andrea Gibson was announced as the chosen Poet Laureate for 2023-2025.

“Colorado Creates” Provides 125 Grants Awarded Across 33 Colorado Counties to Arts Organizations

DENVER — Today, Governor Polis and the Colorado Creative Industries Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced that 125 arts organizations across 33 Colorado counties have been awarded $909,000 in Colorado Creates Grants. From Montezuma to Morgan County, these grants will help organizations and communities create art and cultural activities by providing general operating support.

The 2024 Legislative Session focuses on community revitalization, workforce development, and investing in the future of Quantum

To celebrate another successful legislative session, we are pleased to highlight the bills that will support our office’s programs and introduce new initiatives that work towards our mission of empowering all to thrive in Colorado’s Economy.

Here’s What Business, Community and Education Leaders are Saying about the Bid to Host the Sundance Film Festival in Boulder, Colorado

DENVER — This week, the State of Colorado announced on behalf of the Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Boulder) and a regional coalition of partners, including the City of Boulder, the Boulder Chamber, the University of Colorado Boulder and the Stanley Film Center, that a proposal was submitted to host the Sundance Film Festival in Boulder, Colorado starting in 2027.

Good for Colorado’s Economy: Legislative Session Advances Historic Initiatives to Strengthen Colorado and Grow Businesses

DENVER – The 2024 legislative session delivered real results for Colorado businesses of all sizes and positioned the state’s economy to continue to thrive. From nation-leading investments to strengthen Colorado’s workforce and create housing Coloradans can afford near job centers to cutting taxes and increasing certainty for business leaders, Colorado is doubling down on its commitment to be the best place to start and grow a business.

Celebrating Colorado’s Cultural Heritage Through Folk and Traditional Arts Projects

The Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced today that 21 artists and art organizations across Colorado have been awarded Folk and Traditional Arts Project Grants. From Phillips to Delta counties and Huerfano to Denver counties, these grants will help preserve, celebrate and document the local artistic traditions and heritage of unique Colorado communities. 

Realizing more to creative spaces than meets the eye: Colorado's creative landscape transforms with $98 Million from the Community Revitalization Grant

Families walking from their neighboring elementary school to an outdoor concert at Strawberry Park Amphitheater in Steamboat Springs.

Local and emerging artists in the newly designated Auroral Cultural Arts District (ACAD) reconvene at their nearby arts facility to develop their art.

Communities in Ignacio, home to the Southern Ute people, gather at the Dancing Spirit community arts center, serving a need for art education, creative outlets for the community, and creating destinations to attract visitors.