Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) today announced the certification of two new Creative Districts into the Colorado Creative Districts Program. The newly certified districts are Downtown Grand Junction Creative District and Grand Lake Creative District. Certification is for a five-year period. Corazon de Trinidad Creative District, Pueblo Creative Corridor, Ridgway Creative District, Paonia Creative District, and Telluride Arts District were approved for re-certification following the initial five-year period.
“The economic impact of the creative class and creative districts cannot be understated,” said Colorado Office of Economic Development Director Stephanie Copeland. “Investing in and supporting the arts provides the foundation for places where people want to live, work and visit. We are excited to add two more to our ranks.”
A review panel evaluated applications and two finalists were selected for site visits. Applications were reviewed using the following criteria: district characteristics, management and planning, community buy-in. Districts must meet a rigorous set of minimum standards in order to achieve certification such as recognition by local government, a high concentration of creative organizations and businesses, sustainable funding sources, paid staff, and a strategic plan.
The newly certified districts will join the 21 existing Colorado Creative Districts: 40West Arts District, Breckenridge Creative District, Carbondale Creative District, Corazon de Trinidad, Crested Butte Creative District, Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe, Downtown Colorado Springs Creative District, Fort Collins Creative District, Golden Triangle Creative District, Greeley Creative District, Longmont Arts and Entertainment District, Mancos Creative District, Manitou Springs Creative District, North Fork Valley Creative District, Pueblo Creative Corridor, Ridgway Creative District, RiNo Arts District, Salida Creative District, Steamboat Springs Creative District, Telluride Arts District and Westwood Creative District.
“The goal of this program is to help Colorado Creative Districts achieve the administrative structure, funding streams, community engagement process and strategic plan that provide opportunities to grow the creative economy,” said Margaret Hunt, CCI director.
Along with official designation, each district will receive an award package including financial support, technical assistance, marketing support, access to grants, CDOT highway signs, and leadership training.
Communities across Colorado have access to the Call Yourself Creative platform, a website offering a DIY 3-step process for creative communities, access to webinars, and case studies.