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  • Program Manager

  • Related Content

  • Amy Kimberly 2019 Governor's Creative Leadership Awards from Colorado Creative Industries on Vimeo.

  • Evan Weissman 2019 Governor's Creative Leadership Awards from Colorado Creative Industries on Vimeo.

  • Past Winners

    Governor's Creative Leadership Awards - Past Awardees

    Grace Gillette - Arts and Advocacy
    Tom Shepard - Arts and Community Action Award
    Cynthia Ramu - Arts and Creative Placemaking Award
    Andrea Rabold - Arts and Social Change
    Michael Paglia - Arts and Creative Placemaking
    Ed Dwight - Lifetime Achievement
    Ann Lukacs - Arts and Community Action Award
    Mary Hockenbery
    Kennedy Pugh 
    Chrissy Deal 
    Amy Kimberly
    Evan Weissman
    Tony Garcia 
    Rodney Wood
    Armando Silva
    Wayne Gilbert
    Damon McLeese 
    Maryo Ewell
    Aaron Abeyta 
    Maureen Hearty
    Francisco Nevarez Burgueno
    Tim Schultz
    Jessica Cooney
    Lissette Riviere 
    Don Richmond 
    Dean Coombs
    Curt Bean
    Walt Pourier

     

  • Chrissy Deal, Bonfils-Stanton Foundation

  • Kennedy Pugh, Colorado Arts and Artist Associates

  • Mary Hockenbery, Church of Art

  • View more past winners 

  • View more past winners 

  • Program Summary

    The Colorado Change Leader Program builds effective and ethical leaders and leadership pipelines for stronger Colorado creative communities and industries. 

    The program is made up of:

    • A Change Leader Institute
    • A Change Leader Implementation Project
    • An annual Change Leader alumni convening at the CCI Summit
    • An alumni network
    • Opportunities for funding to support alumni professional development and mentorship

    Intended Audience:
    Emerging and established leaders—within groups, communities, or organizations—who are working through collaboration to build a better Colorado through arts and culture.
    Program Goals and Objectives:
    Build effective and ethical leaders and leadership pipelines for stronger Colorado creative communities and industries.

    • Through transformational experiences and curriculum, uncover leaders’ personal strengths and authentic leadership styles.
    • Deliver lasting leadership skills that empower ethical influence and productive collaboration.
    • Deliver and maintain wide-circle experiences where everyone is valued, has access, and feeds back into the program.

    Strengthen Colorado’s creative communities through deep connections that realize the power of inter and intra-community collaboration.

    • Establish and encourage strong personal bonds for self-actualized networks.
    • Build an inclusive and welcoming environment where all participants unhesitatingly reach out to CCI and program alumni for support.
    • Build a network that connects creative leaders from across Colorado’s many diverse communities and geographies. 

    The institute is a month-long leadership course that includes pre-readings, a three-day in-person leadership intensive, two 2-hour remote training modules, personal coaching, and meetings with a learning pod. Following completion of the Change Leader Institute, Change Leaders are eligible to apply for funding to support an implementation project. Alumni are also eligible to apply for funding to support initiatives that provide opportunities for professional development and collaboration within the alumni network.

  • Overview

    Type: Leadership program

    For: Colorado residents interested in community building

    Cost: Participants are provided with a stipend that covers food, lodging, and materials required for participation.

    Application deadline: Rolling

    OEDIT division: Colorado Creative Industries

  • Program Summary

    The Colorado Change Leader Program builds effective and ethical leaders and leadership pipelines for stronger Colorado creative communities and industries. 

    The program is made up of:

    • A Change Leader Institute
    • A Change Leader Implementation Project
    • An annual Change Leader alumni convening at the CCI Summit
    • An alumni network
    • Opportunities for funding to support alumni professional development and mentorship

    Intended Audience:
    Emerging and established leaders—within groups, communities, or organizations—who are working through collaboration to build a better Colorado through arts and culture.
    Program Goals and Objectives:
    Build effective and ethical leaders and leadership pipelines for stronger Colorado creative communities and industries.

    • Through transformational experiences and curriculum, uncover leaders’ personal strengths and authentic leadership styles.
    • Deliver lasting leadership skills that empower ethical influence and productive collaboration.
    • Deliver and maintain wide-circle experiences where everyone is valued, has access, and feeds back into the program.

    Strengthen Colorado’s creative communities through deep connections that realize the power of inter and intra-community collaboration.

    • Establish and encourage strong personal bonds for self-actualized networks.
    • Build an inclusive and welcoming environment where all participants unhesitatingly reach out to CCI and program alumni for support.
    • Build a network that connects creative leaders from across Colorado’s many diverse communities and geographies. 

    The institute is a month-long leadership course that includes pre-readings, a three-day in-person leadership intensive, two 2-hour remote training modules, personal coaching, and meetings with a learning pod. Following completion of the Change Leader Institute, Change Leaders are eligible to apply for funding to support an implementation project. Alumni are also eligible to apply for funding to support initiatives that provide opportunities for professional development and collaboration within the alumni network.

    Overview

    Type: Leadership program

    For: Colorado residents interested in community building

    Cost: Participants are provided with a stipend that covers food, lodging, and materials required for participation.

    Application deadline: Rolling

    OEDIT division: Colorado Creative Industries

  • Change Leaders are a diverse group and can be anyone working creatively to improve his or her community. They represent rural, urban, suburban, and mountain areas, communities and organizations of all sizes, businesses, and creatives.

    To apply for the Change Leader Program, you need to:

    • be a Colorado resident
    • be at least 18 years old
    • work or volunteer as one or more of these: individual visual or performing artist or designer, civic leader, executive director, professor, government employee, business owner, representative of creative enterprises or a board member, or an administrator or volunteer of a cultural or creative nonprofit

    If you are selected for an institute:

    • you need to participate fully in the three-day institute agenda
    • you are responsible for your transportation to the site
  • Eligibility

    Change Leaders are a diverse group and can be anyone working creatively to improve his or her community. They represent rural, urban, suburban, and mountain areas, communities and organizations of all sizes, businesses, and creatives.

    To apply for the Change Leader Program, you need to:

    • be a Colorado resident
    • be at least 18 years old
    • work or volunteer as one or more of these: individual visual or performing artist or designer, civic leader, executive director, professor, government employee, business owner, representative of creative enterprises or a board member, or an administrator or volunteer of a cultural or creative nonprofit

    If you are selected for an institute:

    • you need to participate fully in the three-day institute agenda
    • you are responsible for your transportation to the site
    Yes

  • Applications for the Fall 2024 institute will be accepted between July 1-September 2, 2024. Please refer to the program schedule below to ensure that you are available to participate. 
     

  • How to apply

    Applications for the Fall 2024 institute will be accepted between July 1-September 2, 2024. Please refer to the program schedule below to ensure that you are available to participate. 
     

    Yes

  • We select Change Leader participants whose applications represent:

    • Passion and commitment to community engagement and the arts
    • A variety of arts and cultural leadership experience
    • Geographic, ethnic, and cultural diversity
    • Age and gender diversity
    • Community vitality through the arts and the creative sector

     

  • Selection process

    We select Change Leader participants whose applications represent:

    • Passion and commitment to community engagement and the arts
    • A variety of arts and cultural leadership experience
    • Geographic, ethnic, and cultural diversity
    • Age and gender diversity
    • Community vitality through the arts and the creative sector

     

    Yes

  • Change Leader Institute

    The Colorado Change Leader Program accepts 12-15 participants for the 3-day institute that is held annually in the fall. We keep class sizes small to allow active learning and personal connection. When reviewing applications, we consider participant and organizational diversity, equity, inclusion, and geographic diversity.
    The institute is a month-long three-day leadership course that includes:

    • Pre-readings
    • a three-day in-person leadership intensive
    • two 2-hour remote training modules
    • personal coaching
    • meetings with a learning pod
    • helps participants change their communities

    Change Leader Implementation Project

    Following completion of the Change Leader Institute, Change Leaders are eligible to apply for funding to support an implementation project. Change Leader Projects are creative solutions to social and community needs. After you take part in the institute, you can submit a project proposal. If your proposal is accepted, Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) will give a stipend of up to $500 to complete your project.

    You will need to plan a project that responds to your community’s needs. Each project is different, and we encourage Change Leaders to work together on projects. Past project examples include:

    • supporting local civic engagement using arts as a medium
    • implementing a creative activity using the Change Leader network as a collective volunteer pool of collaborative partners
    • illustrating the impact of the arts and artists in meeting social and community needs through new targeted activities
    • increasing connections among diverse groups in their respective communities
    • raising awareness of and creating a stronger sense of unity in the Change Leader network and the creative sector through media and other public relations

    Change Leader Network

    An important part of the Change Leader program is continued engagement with the statewide network of participants. Change Leaders are resources and mentors to each other in the sometimes isolated work of creating lasting change in communities.

    We hold statewide meetings of Change Leaders each year in conjunction with the Colorado Creative Industries Summit to continue networking and educational opportunities. 

    Throughout the year, we engage Change Leaders through network communications, regional gatherings and other opportunities for learning and connection. We encourage Change Leaders to be active in the network and help in creating engagement around issues, challenges, and opportunities.

    Change Leader Alumni are eligible to apply for the CO Change Leader Network Activation Grant for funding to support initiatives that provide professional development and develop avenues of mentorship, collaboration, and mutual support between Change Leaders.

    Change Leaders are a diverse group and can be anyone working creatively to improve his or her community. They represent rural, urban, suburban, and mountain areas, communities and organizations of all sizes, businesses, and creatives.

    To apply for the Change Leader Program, you need to:

    • be a Colorado resident
    • be at least 18 years old
    • work or volunteer as one or more of these: individual visual or performing artist or designer, civic leader, executive director, professor, government employee, business owner, representative of creative enterprises or a board member, or an administrator or volunteer of a cultural or creative nonprofit

    If you are selected for an institute:

    • you need to participate fully in the three-day institute agenda
    • you are responsible for your transportation to the site

    Applications for the Fall 2024 institute will be accepted between July 1-September 2, 2024. Please refer to the program schedule below to ensure that you are available to participate. 
     

    Week of October 7:  Pre-readings assigned; 1.5 hour virtual orientation meeting
    October 13-16:  Change Leader Institute

    Participants will arrive at the institute location on Sunday afternoon for a introductory activity and dinner that afternoon/evening

    The institute will conclude mid-afternoon on Wednesday, October 16

    Participants should anticipate a full schedule of events each day, including communal meals and evening activities

    Friday, October 25:  Virtual 2-hour training
    October 15-31: One-on-one check-ins with coach and learning pod meetings

    We select Change Leader participants whose applications represent:

    • Passion and commitment to community engagement and the arts
    • A variety of arts and cultural leadership experience
    • Geographic, ethnic, and cultural diversity
    • Age and gender diversity
    • Community vitality through the arts and the creative sector

     

    View CCI Change Leaders in a full screen map

    Spring 2014: Mt. Princeton Change Leaders

    14 change leaders pose in a line in front of a mountain view framed by trees

    Brandy Brandy, Eagle, CO
    Chantalle Hanschu, Denver, CO
    Charles Leslie, Durango, CO
    David Dadone, Boulder, CO
    Delaney Keating, Gunnison, CO
    Gisela Flanigan, Grand Junction, CO
    Jay Seller, Denver, CO
    Marilyn Leuszler, Trinidad, CO
    Pamela Denahy, La Junta, CO
    Pamela Pleasant-Foster, Craig, CO
    Tanya Mote, Denver, CO
    Tom Dessain, Crestone, CO

    Fall 2014: Shining Blue Change-ineers
    16 change leaders pose on steps in front of a white colonial style building. one woman in the front of the group holds a poster that says shining blue change leaders in blue marker

    Amanda Flores, Taos, NM
    Armondo Silva, Greeley, CO
    Bruce Borowsky, Boulder, CO
    Carlie Kenton, Gunnison, CO
    Julie Worley, La Junta, CO
    Katherine Danforth, Crestone, CO
    Kathy Webb, Laporte, CO
    Kenneth Grimes, Denver, CO
    Kim Keith, Steamboat Springs, CO
    Mary Hockenberry, Hotchkiss, CO
    Ralph Holloway, Woodland Park, CO
    Michael Varnum, Salida, CO

    Spring 2015: Goose Buck-A-Neers
    15 change leaders pose in a line in front of a brick industrial building

    Andy Vick, Colorado Springs, CO
    Angela Canada Hopkins, Loveland, CO
    Catherine Augur, Creed, CO
    Curtis Killorn, Salida, CO
    Danielle Brooks, Aurora, CO
    Jeannene Bragg, Denver, CO
    Jose Esparza, Denver, CO
    Judd Farner, Fort Collins, CO 
    Kim Harrell, Aurora, CO
    Maureen Hearty, Joes, CO
    Rachel Basye, Denver, CO
    Rachelle Alvarez, Rocky Ford, CO 

    Fall 2015: GooseRiders
    16 change leaders pose around a wooden planter with a mountain vista and cabin style house behind them

    Annette Coleman, Lakewood, CO
    Barbie Corey, Yuma, CO
    Damon McLeese, Denver, CO
    Dulcie Willis, Fort Collins, CO
    Justin Garoutte, Antonito, CO
    Lynn Waldorf, Denver, CO
    Michelle Uyemura, Wray, CO
    Nathan Richie, Golden, CO
    Ryan Foo, Denver, CO
    Sarah Leversee, Boulder, CO
    Sheila Sears, Denver, CO
    Tyler Breuer, Denver, CO

    Spring 2016: The V Force 

    Amy Kimberly, Carbondale, CO
    Ben Litwin, Denver, CO
    Bryce Alexander
    Carla Aguilar, Denver, CO
    Crystal Bliss Lardy, Colorado Springs, CO
    Elizabeth VanDyne, Loveland, CO
    Jeff Owsley, Alamosa, CO
    Leah Brenner Clack, Boulder, CO
    Leanne Goebel, Pagosa Springs, CO
    Mary George, Paonia, CO
    Ryan Nisogi, Denver, CO

    Fall 2016: Change Devils
    12 change leaders pose on a porch with mountain vista behind them

    Toluwanimi Obiwole, Denver, CO
    Karol Gates, Denver, CO
    Deborah Malden, Boulder, CO
    Ashley Ahlene, Buena Vista, CO
    Kendall Smith, Englewood, CO
    Winter Ross, Crestone, CO
    Candice Bannister, Steamboat Springs, CO
    Christy Costello, Denver, CO
    Andrew Schneider, Trinidad, CO
    Kristina Bad Hand, Denver, CO
    Robert Joseph, Montrose, CO
    Christine Scott, Durango, CO

    Spring 2017: The Charettes
    11 change leaders pose in a line in front of a golden wall. the front row of the group is holding an official change leader institute poster

    Ruth Wilson, Denver, CO
    Andre Carbonell, Denver, CO
    Cris Ciani, Denver, CO
    Maria Cocchiarelli, Walsenburg, CO
    Kasey Correia, Ignacio, CO
    Krista DeHerrera, Gypsum, CO
    Hamidah Glasgow, Fort Collins, CO
    Mary Hoffman, Alamosa, CO
    Kathy Iwanowski, Denver, CO
    Jing Yeng, Denver, CO
    Jack Rogers, Fort Collins, CO

    Fall 2017: Colaborado Change Gang

    Meredith Badler, Denver, CO
    Becca Bay, Timnath, CO
    Lerita Cavness, Denver, CO
    Lares Feliciano, Denver, CO 
    Ann Lukacs, Fairplay, CO
    Jill MacKay, Bellvue, CO
    Matthew Mammola, Englewood, CO
    Sooner McKay, Mount Crested Butte, CO
    Erin Murphy, Durango, CO
    Brendan Picker, Denver, CO
    Mundi Ross, Colorado Springs, CO
    Jan Nadav, Denver, CO

    Spring 2018: Super Tasters
    14 change leaders pose in a cluster on a grass lawn with a mountain vista behind them

    Mary Jo Coulehan, Pagosa Springs, CO
    Stuart Handloff, Steamboat Springs, CO
    Amy Lynn, Denver, CO
    Crystal Jacquez, Denver, CO
    Wael Khalifa, Denver, CO
    Denise Leslie, Durango, CO
    Dagny McKinley, Steamboat Springs, CO
    Taylor Tschida, Denver, CO
    Claudia Moran-Pichardo, Denver, CO
    Keyonne Session, Denver, CO
    Anna Lee Vargas, Antonito, CO
    Emily Whalen, Denver, CO

    Fall 2018: Wave Riders
    12 change leaders pose in a cluster in front of red rocks

    Angie Lackey, Greeley, CO
    Antonio Mendez, Denver, CO
    Heather Leavitt Martinez, Durango, CO
    JD McCrumb, Columbine Valley, CO 
    Jonathan Howard, Denver, CO
    Katherine Rich, Carbondale, CO
    Samantha Johnson, Denver, CO
    Scott Parker, Steamboat Springs, CO
    Sydney Clapp, Denver, CO
    Tara Thomas, Colorado Springs, CO
    Victoria Martinez, Alamosa, CO
    Suzi Smith, Denver, CO

    Fall 2019: The Veginots Eleven

    Caitlyn Love, Grand Junction, CO
    Susie Kaldis, Paonia, CO
    Gillian Laycock, Hugo, CO
    Jennifer Dewey, Denver, CO
    Garrett Hilpipre, Denver, CO
    Alexis Whitham, Denver, CO
    Sandra Dolak, La Veta, CO
    Mary Elizabeth Lenahan, Boulder, CO
    Helanius Wilkins, Boulder, CO
    Ulises Fernandez, Denver, CO
    Susan Lander, Durango, CO

    Spring 2022: CO-FLOW
    12 change leaders pose in a cluster on concrete stairs in front of a white stone covered building

    Jen Olsen, Denver, CO
    David Goe, Grand Junction, CO
    Kristi Rogers, Trinidad, CO
    Armida Huerta, Mancos, CO
    Kennedy Reilly-Pugh, Pueblo, CO
    Evan Tueller, Telluride, CO
    Sarah Harrison, Denver, CO
    Jevon Taylor, Denver, CO
    Rachel Hanson, Lafayette, CO
    Emily King, Arvada, CO
    Sarah Slater, Denver, CO
    Tya Anthony, Denver, CO

    Fall 2022: Flocking Amazing
    14 change leaders pose on a gravel path. Behind them is a river and brush-covered hills.

    Andres Giraldo, Denver, CO
    Beau Augustin, Denver, CO
    Bliss Coleman, Aurora, CO
    Cindy Foley, Colorado Springs, CO
    Emma Acheson, Denver, CO
    Josh Palmeri, Denver, CO
    Katie Kindle, Fort Collins, CO
    Lila Day, Pueblo, CO
    Maura Adamson, Golend, CO
    Megan Janssen, Carbondale, CO
    Mitchell Oliver, Hotchkiss, CO
    Alan Brooks, Denver, CO
    Rachel Wattles, Hayden, CO
    Tina Chavera, Denver, CO

     

  • Past Winners

  • All Past Winners

  • All Past Winners

  • Sign up for email updates

    Sign up for email updates from Colorado Creative Industries.

  • Program Manager

  • Submit all application materials through the Colorado Creative Industries Grant portal. Log in to your account or create a new account. If you're having trouble navigating the grant portal, review the Navigating the CCI Grant Portal Guide. If you need additional support, email Colorado Creative Industries staff.

    All users are required to log into the portal and complete the online application. All support materials are uploaded into the online system. No hard copies or emailed copies of the application or support materials will be accepted. We recommend that applicants register in the portal and review the online grant system with plenty of time before the deadline to allow staff proper time to assist with any questions or issues.

     2022 Change Leader Institute dates will be held March 28-30 (Spring Institute) and November 14-16 (Fall Institute). The next Change Leader Certification ceremony will be held September 30, 2022 in Salida. Change Leaders who have gone through the institute and are interested in certification should contact Libby Barbee for more information (see Libby's contact information at the bottom of this page).

    Application materials

    The online application includes these questions:

    • What is your professional affiliation?
    • Are you paid staff/volunteer/board member or other? Explain.
    • The number of years in position? 
    • Summarize your experience and education in your field. 
    • Why do you want to participate in the Change Leader Institute? 

    You will need to upload:

    • your resume or biographical statement

  • “Art is often a solo enterprise, but it can also play a bigger role in communication and community building. Change Leaders has been a positive, practical influence and inspiration for me. Everyone who has anything to do with art should be part of this. Keep up the good work!”
    – Craig Hibberd, Fort Collins 

  • Success Stories

    “Art is often a solo enterprise, but it can also play a bigger role in communication and community building. Change Leaders has been a positive, practical influence and inspiration for me. Everyone who has anything to do with art should be part of this. Keep up the good work!”
    – Craig Hibberd, Fort Collins 

    “The Colorado Change Leader Institute helped me better understand the strengths and weaknesses in my community work, and gave me the tools to be effective in achieving my heart’s vision. The beauty of this training is I am still learning from it three years later.”
    – Mary Hockenbery, Hotchkiss 

    “The institute didn’t just help me refocus and gain a new perspective on what community leadership really means, it reminded me how to connect with others through authentic dialogue.”
    – Becca Bay, Timnath 

  • “The Colorado Change Leader Institute helped me better understand the strengths and weaknesses in my community work, and gave me the tools to be effective in achieving my heart’s vision. Building on my experience at the Institute I was able to successfully run for Town Trustee. The beauty of this training is I am still learning from it three years later.”
    – Mary Hockenbery, Change Leader, Hotchkiss 

  • “The Colorado Change Leader Institute helped me better understand the strengths and weaknesses in my community work, and gave me the tools to be effective in achieving my heart’s vision. Building on my experience at the Institute I was able to successfully run for Town Trustee. The beauty of this training is I am still learning from it three years later.”
    – Mary Hockenbery, Change Leader, Hotchkiss 

  • “The institute didn’t just help me refocus and gain a new perspective on what community leadership really means, it reminded me how to connect with others through authentic dialogue.”
    – Becca Bay, Change Leader, Timnath 

  • “In the training, I realized all my life I had been looking at what IS NOT and trying to achieve what I thought I needed instead of looking at what IS and recognizing the building blocks I have. I am learning to use them to grow and become who I want to be.” 
    – LeRita Cavness, Change Leader, Denver

  • “The institute didn’t just help me refocus and gain a new perspective on what community leadership really means, it reminded me how to connect with others through authentic dialogue.”
    – Becca Bay, Change Leader, Timnath 

    “In the training, I realized all my life I had been looking at what IS NOT and trying to achieve what I thought I needed instead of looking at what IS and recognizing the building blocks I have. I am learning to use them to grow and become who I want to be.” 
    – LeRita Cavness, Change Leader, Denver

  • “The Colorado Change Leader Institute helped me better understand the strengths and weaknesses in my community work, and gave me the tools to be effective in achieving my heart’s vision. The beauty of this training is I am still learning from it three years later.”
    – Mary Hockenbery, Hotchkiss 

  • “The institute didn’t just help me refocus and gain a new perspective on what community leadership really means, it reminded me how to connect with others through authentic dialogue.”
    – Becca Bay, Timnath 

  • “In the training, I realized all my life I had been looking at what IS NOT and trying to achieve what I thought I needed instead of looking at what IS and recognizing the building blocks I have. I am learning to use them to grow and become who I want to be.” 
    – LeRita Cavness, Change Leader, Denver

  • Program Summary

    The Creative Industries Summit is the annual event for Colorado creatives to connect, learn, and be inspired. More than 300 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.

    Save the date! The 2025 Colorado Creative Industries Summit will be held May 1-2 in the Grand Junction creative district!
    Session proposals for the 2025 summit are now  being accepted. To submit a proposal, please fill out this form no later than September 2, 2024.  Email Libby Barbee (libby.barbee@state.co.us) for questions.

  • Overview

    Type: Summit

    For: Creatives and artists

    Date: May 1-2, 2025

    Location: Grand Junction 

    OEDIT division: Colorado Creative Industries

  • Program Summary

    The Creative Industries Summit is the annual event for Colorado creatives to connect, learn, and be inspired. More than 300 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.

    Save the date! The 2025 Colorado Creative Industries Summit will be held May 1-2 in the Grand Junction creative district!
    Session proposals for the 2025 summit are now  being accepted. To submit a proposal, please fill out this form no later than September 2, 2024.  Email Libby Barbee (libby.barbee@state.co.us) for questions.

    Overview

    Type: Summit

    For: Creatives and artists

    Date: May 1-2, 2025

    Location: Grand Junction 

    OEDIT division: Colorado Creative Industries

  • The Colorado Creative Industries Summit helps creative entrepreneurs, creative communities, and creative organizations expand their knowledge, networks, and resources.

    CCI Summit Speakers

    The Summit speakers and schedule are not yet announced. 

  • Speakers

    The Colorado Creative Industries Summit helps creative entrepreneurs, creative communities, and creative organizations expand their knowledge, networks, and resources.

    CCI Summit Speakers

    The Summit speakers and schedule are not yet announced. 

    No

  • CCI has limited discounted rooms available at the Courtyard Marriott and SpringHill Suites next to the Pueblo Convention Center. You will receive special links to reserve your room in your confirmation email. There are of course numerous wonderful lodging options in the Pueblo area if you decide not to book at either of those hotels.

  • Submit all application materials through the Colorado Creative Industries Grant portal. Log in to your account or create a new account. If you're having trouble navigating the grant portal, review the Navigating the CCI Grant Portal Guide. If you need additional support, email Colorado Creative Industries staff.

    All users are required to log into the portal and complete the online application. All support materials are uploaded into the online system. No hard copies or emailed copies of the application or support materials will be accepted. We recommend that applicants register in the portal and review the online grant system with plenty of time before the deadline to allow staff proper time to assist with any questions or issues.

  • Application Checklist

    To complete your application, you will need:

    • narrative or video (see below)
    • resume (for an individual artist/sole proprietor) or a company summary (for a business)
    • 1 to 3 work samples
    • certificate of Good Standing from the Colorado Secretary of State no more than three months old (universities and municipalities are exempt)
    • letter of acceptance or evidence of exclusive invitation (only for exhibit, festival, or vendor showcases)
    • consultant’s professional bio or resume and signed letter of commitment on letterhead from proposed consultant (only for those requesting funds for consultant)
    • budget (see below)

    Narrative or Video

    Questions are grouped by career impact and artistic merit. Answer all of the questions in both groups below in a written essay or video. If you write an essay, type your answers in a word processing program, check your word counts, then cut and paste the text into the online application. If you record a video, answer the questions in order in the five-minute time limit.

    Career Impact

    • Provide an elevator pitch in a sentence or two. What do you do, and why do you need funds? (350 word limit)
    • If I get funding, this will happen for my business
      • Examples: estimated new revenue, increase in customers or website hits, national recognition by increased invitations to present, sales of work or products in untapped markets
    • Measurable examples of how this funding will advance my business are
      • Example: “This will increase my ____by____%” (Provide up to three examples)
    • My proposed timeline is
      • Project start date:
      • Benchmark goals and dates:
      • Project end date:
    • This is not a normal cost of doing business because ____. (350 word limit)

    Artistic Merit

    • I have been pursuing my creative career for the following number of years, and I received training or education from (Provide up to three examples) (350 word limit)
    • Share a highlight of your professional career in your current discipline. (350 word limit)

    Budget

    The online application lets you describe estimated costs such as consultant or service providers, travel, and equipment. You will need to provide details and website links in your budget summary. You can use this Career Advancement Award Budget Summary Template (XLS) to plan your answer.

  • 2024 Lodging

    CCI has limited discounted rooms available at the Courtyard Marriott and SpringHill Suites next to the Pueblo Convention Center. You will receive special links to reserve your room in your confirmation email. There are of course numerous wonderful lodging options in the Pueblo area if you decide not to book at either of those hotels.

    Yes

  • The summit is an annual opportunity for experienced creatives and emerging leaders to sit side-by-side, learn from each other, and improve Colorado’s statewide creative community.

    All sponsors have the opportunity to include one giveaway in conference bags at their own expense. 

    For the full sponsorship packet or to learn more, please email Libby Barbee at libby.barbee@state.co.us.

    Platinum Sponsor 1: Governor's Creative Leadership Awards Luncheon– $5,500

    This sponsorship supports the performers and keynote speakers for the Governor’s Creative Leadership
    Awards luncheon. As a platinum sponsor, you will receive:

    • Five conference registrations
    • One vendor table
    • Name and linked logo recognition as a Platinum sponsor in event program, website, on-site signage and individually with selected sponsorship option
    • Reserved seating at head table during large group events/meals and Governor’s Awards
    • Opportunity to briefly address all attendees during luncheon event

    Platinum Sponsor 2: Friday Plenary – $4,500

    This sponsorship supports the performers and keynote speakers for the Friday luncheon plenary session. As a platinum sponsor, you will receive:

    • Five conference registrations
    • One vendor table
    • Name and linked logo recognition as a Platinum sponsor in event program, website, on-site signage and individually with selected sponsorship option
    • Reserved seating at head table during large group events/meals and Governor’s Awards
    • Opportunity to briefly address all attendees during luncheon event

    Gold Sponsor 1: Opening Reception – $3,000

    Attendees will tour the Pueblo Creative Corridor on Thursday evening and convene in Neon Alley for a welcome reception. This sponsorship supports local pop up performances and arts programming during this evening event. As a gold sponsor, you will receive:

    • Three conference registrations
    • One vendor table
    • Name and linked logo recognition as a Platinum sponsor in event program, website, on-site signage and individually with selected sponsorship option
    • Reserved seating at head table during large group events/meals and Governor’s Awards

    Gold Sponsor 2: Arts Engagement – $3,000

    This sponsorship supports up to 3 regional artists in providing engaging hands-on arts experiences during the summit. As a gold sponsor, you will receive:

    • Three conference registrations
    • One vendor table
    • Name and linked logo recognition as a Platinum sponsor in event program, website, on-site signage and individually with selected sponsorship option
    • Reserved seating at head table during large group events/meals and Governor’s Awards

    Gold Sponsor 3: Arts Immersion – $3,000

    This sponsorship supports up to 2 art installations showcasing the innovative work of Colorado creatives. As a gold sponsor, you will receive:

    • Three conference registrations
    • One vendor table
    • Name and linked logo recognition as a Platinum sponsor in event program, website, on-site signage and individually with selected sponsorship option
    • Reserved seating at head table during large group events/meals and Governor’s Awards

    Silver Sponsor 1: Sponsorship of a selected session – $1,500

    There are ten of these sponsorships available. The sponsoring organization selects a session from the summit program line up and has the opportunity to briefly address attendees of this session. Sessions are identified by a call for proposals and selected by a review committee. Sessions available for sponsorship will be available in February 2024. As a silver sponsor, you will receive:

    • Two conference registrations
    • Name and linked logo recognition as a Platinum sponsor in event program, website, on-site signage and individually with selected sponsorship option
    • Reserved seating at head table during large group events/meals and Governor’s Awards

    Silver Sponsor 2: Sponsorship of a selected session – $1,500

    This sponsorship provides six need-based scholarships for conference attendees. There are five of these sponsorships available. As a silver sponsor, you will receive:

    • Two conference registrations
    • Name and linked logo recognition as a Platinum sponsor in event program, website, on-site signage and individually with selected sponsorship option
    • Reserved seating at head table during large group events/meals and Governor’s Awards

    Contributing Sponsor – $750

    As a contributing sponsor, you will receive:

    • One conference registration
    • Name and linked logo recognition as a Bronze sponsor in event program, website and on-site signage

    Exhibitor – $500

    As an exhibitor, you will receive:

    • One conference registration
    • One vendor table
    • Company name on website as exhibitor
  • Sponsorship opportunities

    The summit is an annual opportunity for experienced creatives and emerging leaders to sit side-by-side, learn from each other, and improve Colorado’s statewide creative community.

    All sponsors have the opportunity to include one giveaway in conference bags at their own expense. 

    For the full sponsorship packet or to learn more, please email Libby Barbee at libby.barbee@state.co.us.

    Platinum Sponsor 1: Governor's Creative Leadership Awards Luncheon– $5,500

    This sponsorship supports the performers and keynote speakers for the Governor’s Creative Leadership
    Awards luncheon. As a platinum sponsor, you will receive:

    • Five conference registrations
    • One vendor table
    • Name and linked logo recognition as a Platinum sponsor in event program, website, on-site signage and individually with selected sponsorship option
    • Reserved seating at head table during large group events/meals and Governor’s Awards
    • Opportunity to briefly address all attendees during luncheon event

    Platinum Sponsor 2: Friday Plenary – $4,500

    This sponsorship supports the performers and keynote speakers for the Friday luncheon plenary session. As a platinum sponsor, you will receive:

    • Five conference registrations
    • One vendor table
    • Name and linked logo recognition as a Platinum sponsor in event program, website, on-site signage and individually with selected sponsorship option
    • Reserved seating at head table during large group events/meals and Governor’s Awards
    • Opportunity to briefly address all attendees during luncheon event

    Gold Sponsor 1: Opening Reception – $3,000

    Attendees will tour the Pueblo Creative Corridor on Thursday evening and convene in Neon Alley for a welcome reception. This sponsorship supports local pop up performances and arts programming during this evening event. As a gold sponsor, you will receive:

    • Three conference registrations
    • One vendor table
    • Name and linked logo recognition as a Platinum sponsor in event program, website, on-site signage and individually with selected sponsorship option
    • Reserved seating at head table during large group events/meals and Governor’s Awards

    Gold Sponsor 2: Arts Engagement – $3,000

    This sponsorship supports up to 3 regional artists in providing engaging hands-on arts experiences during the summit. As a gold sponsor, you will receive:

    • Three conference registrations
    • One vendor table
    • Name and linked logo recognition as a Platinum sponsor in event program, website, on-site signage and individually with selected sponsorship option
    • Reserved seating at head table during large group events/meals and Governor’s Awards

    Gold Sponsor 3: Arts Immersion – $3,000

    This sponsorship supports up to 2 art installations showcasing the innovative work of Colorado creatives. As a gold sponsor, you will receive:

    • Three conference registrations
    • One vendor table
    • Name and linked logo recognition as a Platinum sponsor in event program, website, on-site signage and individually with selected sponsorship option
    • Reserved seating at head table during large group events/meals and Governor’s Awards

    Silver Sponsor 1: Sponsorship of a selected session – $1,500

    There are ten of these sponsorships available. The sponsoring organization selects a session from the summit program line up and has the opportunity to briefly address attendees of this session. Sessions are identified by a call for proposals and selected by a review committee. Sessions available for sponsorship will be available in February 2024. As a silver sponsor, you will receive:

    • Two conference registrations
    • Name and linked logo recognition as a Platinum sponsor in event program, website, on-site signage and individually with selected sponsorship option
    • Reserved seating at head table during large group events/meals and Governor’s Awards

    Silver Sponsor 2: Sponsorship of a selected session – $1,500

    This sponsorship provides six need-based scholarships for conference attendees. There are five of these sponsorships available. As a silver sponsor, you will receive:

    • Two conference registrations
    • Name and linked logo recognition as a Platinum sponsor in event program, website, on-site signage and individually with selected sponsorship option
    • Reserved seating at head table during large group events/meals and Governor’s Awards

    Contributing Sponsor – $750

    As a contributing sponsor, you will receive:

    • One conference registration
    • Name and linked logo recognition as a Bronze sponsor in event program, website and on-site signage

    Exhibitor – $500

    As an exhibitor, you will receive:

    • One conference registration
    • One vendor table
    • Company name on website as exhibitor
    Yes