Colorado Creative Industries Summit
Program Summary
The Creative Industries Summit is the annual event for Colorado creatives to connect, learn, and be inspired. More than 400 creative stakeholders from over 60 Colorado cities and towns attend the summit.
The two-day event offers exhibits, performances, networking opportunities, speakers, classes, and workshops.
The event is ideal for both early to late-career creative leaders including artists, board members, community leaders, creative entrepreneurs, creative industries advocates from all sectors, elected officials, emerging creatives, executive directors, municipal and nonprofit cultural workers, and program staff.
Register on Eventbrite for the 2025 Colorado Creative Industries Summit in the Grand Junction Creative District from May 1 through 2.
- Early-bird pricing ends Mar. 31, 2025
- The Creative District and Change Leader pre-convenings will take place Wednesday, Apr. 30, 2025.
Overview
Type: Summit
For: Cultural workers, creatives, artists, and industry leaders
Date: May 1-2, 2025
Location: Grand Junction
OEDIT division: Colorado Creative Industries
2025 CCI Summit: Way Out West Event Program (PDF)
Sign up for the event app, Whova!
Checkout the full 2025 CCI Summit: Way Out West event program (PDF).
Download and sign up for Whova, the summit event app, to see organizer updates, create your own agenda, and more. Be sure to use the email address you registered with on Eventbrite to sign into Whova.
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Creative Districts Convening
Location: Avalon Theatre, 645 Main Streat, Grand Junction, CO 81501
*For registered Creative District staff only. More details will be sent via email after registration.
11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Change Leader Workshop
Location: Avalon Theatre, 645 Main Streat, Grand Junction, CO 81501
*For registered Change Leader alumni only. More details will be sent via email after registration.
4:30-6:30 p.m. Change Leader & Creative Districts Happy Hour
Location: Avalon Theatre, 645 Main Streat, Grand Junction, CO 81501
*For registered Change Leader alumni and Creative District staff only.
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Location: Grand Junction Convention Center, 159 Main Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501
9-10:30 a.m. Registration with coffee and light breakfast
Location: Convention Center Atrium
9-10:15 a.m. Coffee Chat with CCI Director, Josh Blanchard
Location: Convention Center Courtyard
10:30 a.m.-noon Concurrent Sessions
- Collaborating for Success: Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities of Working with Schools and Arts Nonprofits to Serve Youth
- Presenters: Daisy Fodness-McGowan, Wendy Videlock, Becca Sickbert, Pavia Justinian, and Lora Quesenberry
- Creating Community In the Workplace: Utilizing Program to Work Across Difference
- Presenters: Alisha Andrews-Simmons and Danielle Schulz
- Elect an Artist
- Presenters: Matthew Breman, Andrea Downs, Jeannine Purser, James Williams, Amy Miller, Aaron Hancey, and Rich Parrish
- Engaging Native Communities in Organizational Strategy and Programming
- Presenters: Steven LaPointe and Nathan Richie
- Expanding the Artists Role in Placemaking and Design
- Presenters: Karleen Lewis , Bettina Swigger, Taishya Adams, Nicholas Felder, and Hanna Rose Shell
- How Does Theatre Benefit our Community: Building Relationships and Creating a Safe Space for All
- Presenters: Dana L. Schmidt, Joy Potter, and Lee Borden
- Tour: The Art Center of Western Colorado and CMU Asteria Theatre Tour
- Presenters: Lee Borden, Chris Wineman, and Jaime Cox
12:30-2:30 p.m. Welcome Luncheon and Plenary Session
Featuring Molina Speaks, Roland McCook, performances by local dancers, and facilitated table talks.
2:45-4:15 p.m. Concurrent Sessions and Tour
- Building a Stronger Creative Economy Through Partnerships
- Presenters: Michelle Winchell, Dylan Craddock, Claire Swinford, and Camille Lavon
- Designing Accessible Art Programs for our Aging Population
- Presenter: Damon McLeese
- DISCO DREAMS: Learnings from the Discothèque for the Thriving Artist
- Presenters: Brian Corrigan, Jameelah De Leon, Andrea Silva, Frankie Toan, Therin Zimmerman, Kate Speer, and Jenee Donelson
- From Vacant to Vibrant: A Case Study in the Preservation & Activation of an Arts Space
- Presenters: Lucas Koski and Gabe Bergeron
- Mayoral Perspectives: Advancing the Arts through Local Governments
- Presenters: John Clark, Kelly Owens, and Abram Herman
- Tilt West Roundtable on Structure, Play & Improvisation
- Presenters: Anna Eunjoo Ghublikian, Mindy Bray, and Matthew Shaw
- Tour: Downtown Art on the Corner tour
- Presenter: Sarah Dishong
5-6:30 p.m. Welcome Reception
6:30-9 p.m. Downtown Grand Junction Programming and Activations
Friday, May 2, 2025
Location: Grand Junction Convention Center, 159 Main Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501
7:30-8:30 a.m. Grab and Go Breakfast
8:30-10 a.m. Concurrent Sessions
- Building Community: County and Municipal Arts Programs
- Presenters: Haley Van Camp and Zoe Ocampo
- Engaging the African Diaspora into the Colorado Art Scene
- Presenters: Ousmane Ndoye and Samuel Gabre Michael
- Igniting Creativity: The Film Exposure Program's Impact on Rural Colorado
- Presenters: Tommy Bonner, Arielle Brachfeld, Rachel DeWeber, and David Goe
- I Regret to Inform You: Rejected Public Art
- Presenters: Emily Grace King and Collin Parson
- Using Arts & Humanities to Foster Community Conversations
- Presenters: Lisa M.W. Eldred, LaNaya Butler, Natalia Devlin, and Rachel Garcia
- Tour: Fresh AiR: Creating Residency Programs for Artists
- Presenters: Jessica Geddes, Ramana Konantz, TJ Smith, and Nicole Rivas
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Concurrent Sessions and Tour
- The Art of Inclusive Leadership: Building Diverse Boards for Practical Impact
- Presenter: Porcia Chen Silverberg
- Cocina Libre: Food as Art, Storytelling, and Immigrant Empowerment
- Presenters: Julia Roncoroni and Delio Figueroa
- Colorado’s Arts Policy Framework and Legislative Update
- Presenters: Meredith Badler and Christin Crampton Day
- Philanthropy Colorado Arts Funder Session
- Presenters: Christy Costello, Anthony Grimes, Monique Johnson, and Lisa Rucker
- Social Prescribing and the Global Impacts of Arts as a Tool to Heal
- Presenters: Dagny McKinley and Marc Moss
- Where Creative Industries and Preservation Collide: Incentives to Revitalize Communities
- Presenters: Laurel Schlegel, Sara Kappel, Josh Blanchard, and Hilary Cooper
- Tour: Fruita Arts Recreation Marketplace (FARM) Fruita
- Presenter: Ashtonn Means
12:30-2:30 p.m. Governor’s Creative Leadership Awards Luncheon
Featuring Governor’s Awards ceremony, keynote address by Theo Edmunds, and poetry reading by Wendy Videlock
3-4:30 p.m. Concurrent Sessions and Tour
- The Business of Art and The Art of Engagement: Building a Buyer Community Through Creative Intimacy
- Presenters: TJ Smith and Arielle Hurley
- Communicating Your Vision: Grant Writing in the Creative Sector
- Presenters: Lares Feliciano and Louise Martorano
- Design Process for Arts + Rural Development
- Presenters: Michael Stout, Maria Sykes, Adrian H Molina, and Brian Corrigan
- Innovative Directions in Public Art: Sound, Light, Performance and More
- Presenters: Jeannene Bragg, Rudi Cerri, and Hannah Leathers
- Legal Checklist for Event Planning
- Presenters: Dave Ratner and Meredith Badler
- Tour: Create Awareness, Value, and Beer through Collaboration
- Presenter: Eli Gerson
4:30-4:45 p.m. Goodbye and Final Remarks
Cocina Libre: Food as Art, Storytelling, and Immigrant Empowerment
Discover the power of food storytelling with Cocina Libre, a project born from a book and documentary that amplifies the voices of immigrant chefs. This interactive session explores how food connects cultures, preserves traditions, and promotes social justice. Participants will watch our documentary, reflect on the stories behind the recipes, and learn how we use food as a medium for storytelling and community building. Gain practical skills to integrate food narratives into your creative work, while exploring your own food memories and cultural significance.
DISCO DREAMS: Learnings from the Discothèque for the Thriving Artist
By 1979, DISCO had become a $10 billion industry, demonstrating a market-driven approach to social inclusion, socioeconomic mixing, and the power of art, culture, music, dancing, and fun to bring people of all backgrounds together. This success story serves as a north star and inspiration for what social justice and impact can look like while exploring the business models, capital needs, and legal frameworks to power thriving artist careers. Get ready to immerse yourself in an interactive learning experience examining social impact, business structures, contracts, money, community benefit, and some super fun surprises!
Emerging Artists Showcase
*This will be open to the public and held on Thursday evening at Uncanny Valley Art Gallery after the welcome reception.
Co-hosted by the Grand Valley Creative Alliance and Uncanny Valley Art Gallery, this dynamic showcase will feature four talented local artists making their mark in the creative community. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to witness live demos, as the artists share their creative processes in real time, offering insights into their techniques and inspiration. Join us at Uncanny Valley Art Gallery for an inspiring evening celebrating emerging talent, engaging with live art, and networking with fellow creatives. Don’t miss this chance to support local talent and experience art in action in Downtown Grand Junction!
Expanding the Artists Role in Placemaking and Design
Professional Artists are well equipped, through their professional skills for art making and creative thinking, to support in the planning and development of loved public places. However, artists are an often undervalued asset in addressing complex problems and needs related to urban infrastructure. This event will discuss how collaboration with artists can enhance a city's identity, inform public perceptions, and strengthen a city's ability to creatively adapt public processes.
Igniting Creativity: The Film Exposure Program's Impact on Rural Colorado
The Film Exposure Program's Impact on Rural Colorado
Join us for an in-depth exploration of how the Film Exposure Program (FEP) empowers Colorado's rural youth through filmmaking and 21st-century skill development. Discover how FEP's collaborative partnerships, such as the paid internship initiative with GJ Creates, build pathways to success in the creative industries. Through an interactive lesson, compelling visuals, and a Q&A opportunity, you'll gain valuable insights into cultivating your community’s next generation of storytellers while supporting professional and local industry growth.
Mayoral Perspectives: Advancing the Arts through Local Governments
The arts serve as a catalyst for addressing local priorities and are critical to economic development and to maintaining thriving, healthy communities. During this session, CCI Director Josh Blanchard will moderate a panel featuring mayors from urban, rural and mountain resort communities. Learn how mayors from diverse corners across Colorado discuss the role the arts play in public policy and how they intersect with and influence community priorities, such as public art and placemaking, arts tourism, affordable housing, climate, education, health care and more. Take away new insights into participating in public processes from a creative perspective, understanding how public investment decisions are made and how to approach local elected officials with confidence and influence.
Where Creative Industries and Preservation Collide: Incentives to Revitalize Communities
Our Colorado communities each offer their own unique character. At OEDIT and History Colorado, we have created funding mechanisms to help foster heritage preservation and creativity in their communities. The new Community Revitalization Tax Credit offered by Colorado Creative Industries incentivizes the support of creative industries. Similarly, History Colorado incentivizes preservation work across Colorado through statewide grant and tax credit programs. This panel will be presented by four different experts on preservation incentives, community revitalization incentives and various housing funding opportunities. They will discuss the synergies between the different incentives offered and an overview of how projects have successfully stacked multiple financial incentives.
And more!
The Art Center of Western Colorado and the CMU Asteria Theater
Location 1: 1803 N 7th St, Grand Junction, CO 81502.
Guests may park in either the parking lot on the north side of the facility, or in the overflow gravel parking lot on the south side of the building.
Location 2: 864 Bunting Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501
This session offers participants an opportunity to tour two pillars of the Grand Junction creative scene. The tour will begin with a visit to the Art Center of Western Colorado, a non-profit art center providing year round arts education programs for children and adults and exhibitions by nationally and internationally renowned artists. Next, the group will travel from the Art Center to the CMU Asteria Theatre for an immersive journey through Colorado Mesa University's evolving arts scene with an in-depth tour of the brand-new Asteria Theatre- the only one of its kind on Colorado's western slope. After exploring this state-of-the-art venue, guests will embark on a scenic art walk across campus, showcasing a diverse array of student and donor installations, including works by renowned artist Jac Kephart. Travel between the two locations is a short 2-minute drive or 12-minute walk.
Create Awareness, Value and Beer Through Collaboration
Location: 457 Colorado Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501.
The brewery is a short walk from the convention center. Parking available if needed in the lot across from the brewery at 5th and Colorado. The parking lot entrance is on the east side of 5th Avenue.
Ramblebine Brewing Company has been collaborating with local non-profit organizations to help raise awareness and funds for their missions since opening in 2020. Learn about how we collaborate to develop fresh ideas for new beers and create packaging design to promote the partner organizations, while taking a tour of the micro brewery, sampling beer and learning about the brewing process.
Downtown GJ and Art on the Corner Walking Tour
Location: Walking tour starting at the convention center and moving throughout Downtown Grand Junction
Downtown Grand Junction's Art on the Corner (AOTC) program is recognized as one of the first, and longest continuously running, outdoor sculpture exhibits in the country. AOTC celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2024. During its 40-year run, AOTC has featured over 295 artists and displayed 878 pieces of art. On this walking tour you will learn about the program origins, view pieces in the permanent and temporary collections, and meet participating artists!
On the tour you’ll also see turn-of-the-century architecture, new murals, placemaking projects, and get historical facts about Grand Junction.
Fruita Arts Recreation Marketplace
Location: 160 S Park Square, Fruita, CO 81521
*This location is about a 20-minute drive from the convention center. The tour is scheduled prior to a break, so attendees have time for transportation.
Fruita Arts Recreation Marketplace (FARM) was founded by Alleghany Meadows and Gavin Brooke in 2022 and is a sister project to Studio for Arts Works (SAW). FARM is a 13,000 square foot building with a community of artists and entrepreneurs cultivating their craft through mixed-use, retail and private working studio spaces. The space is home to creative professionals from visual arts, healing arts, media, outdoor recreation industry, and more. Join us on a tour of FARM to get a glimpse into the studio spaces!
Fresh AiR: Creating residency Programs for Artists
Location: 970 West Studio 502 Ouray Ave Grand Junction, CO 81501. There is parking available across the street. The building itself meets ADA requirements.
Join us to learn how we support local artists, enhance library programming, and enrich the community. Participants will explore the Mesa County Library Artist in Residence (AiR) program and gain perspective about creating their own programs through an interactive demonstration of an AiR workshop. A panel of Mesa County Library staff and former AiR participants will be present to answer questions.
CCI has limited room block discounts available at the Fairfield Inn and Suites Grand Junction Downtown, the SpringHill Suites Grand Junction Downtown, Hampton Inn, and True by Hilton. These hotels are conveniently located next to the convention center. Additionally, the Melrose Hotel is offering a 10% discount to summit attendees. You will receive special links to reserve your room in your registration confirmation email, and we recommend booking early. There are of course numerous wonderful lodging options in the Grand Junction area if you decide not to book at either of those hotels. You can check out Visit Grand Junction’s website for a list of accommodation options.
If you are not ready to say goodbye, extend your stay and enjoy a weekend in Grand Junction! Visit one of the many local museums and galleries, such as: The Art Center of Western Colorado, Museum of the West, Uncanny Valley Art Gallery & Co-op, and Confluence Studios.
Check out Grand Junction Creates and Visit Grand Junction for a comprehensive list of activities and restaurants in Grand Junction and the surrounding area! Spend the weekend exploring wineries or enjoying the outdoors!
2024- Pueblo
2023 – Crested Butte
2021 – Steamboat Springs
2019 – Salida
2018 – Greeley
2017 – Breckenridge
2016 – Carbondale
2015 – Fort Collins
2014 – Salida
Platinum Level
- Bonfils-Stanton Foundation
- Grand Junction Creates
Gold Level
- Colorado Educational and Cultural Facilities Authority (CECFA)
- Meow Wolf Denver
Silver Level
- Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways
- CU Boulder Office for Public and Community Engaged Scholarship
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Green Box
Community Partners
- The Hotel Melrose
Exhibitor Sponsors
- Colorado Office of Film, Television, and Media
- Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA)
- Jaeger Design | Art Card Dispatch
Program Manager