Creative Districts

In 2011 the Colorado General Assembly passed legislation to allow for the establishment of Creative Districts in Colorado.  According to the legislation, a Creative District is “a well-organized, designated mixed-use area of a community in which a high concentration of cultural facilities, creative businesses, or arts-related businesses serve as the anchor of attraction.”  They can be established in communities large or small, urban or rural, and businesses can be for profit or non-profit.  The Districts are certified by Colorado Creative Industries, formerly known as Colorado Council on the Arts.  The first Creative Districts were Downtown Salida and the Santa Fe Arts District in Denver.  Since then, five new Creative Districts have been certified, in Pueblo, Trinidad, Ridgway, Telluride, and the North Fork Valley, and more are expected to follow (see the press release here.)  The program highlights the many artistic and cultural attractions our state has to offer.  If your community is interested in certifying a Creative District, find out how here.