Introduction: Within the United States, Colorado ranks first in the percentage of residents who personally perform or create artworks. From the captivating performances of local musicians to the immersive exhibitions of visual artists and the dynamic atmosphere of artisan markets and craft fairs, Colorado’s creative offerings contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities and serve as key attractions. By fostering partnerships with local artists, promoting diverse arts through festivals and events, and highlighting Creative Districts, Colorado’s tourism industry offers visitors opportunities to engage with and support the thriving arts scene. Initiatives to integrate art into outdoor recreation, launch art-focused digital guides, and promote stewardship through film collaborations can serve to highlight the interconnectedness of art, culture, and conservation.
Goal: Uplift, preserve, and dynamically showcase Colorado’s vibrant arts and creative industries so they can flourish within a tourism framework that values the arts and local talent.
Objective: By 2035, all destination organizations in Colorado will enhance access to and engagement with Colorado’s arts and creative industries for tourists and residents.
Strategies
Arts and Creative Industries 1: Foster Partnerships with Local Artists
An opportunity exists to increase collaboration between the tourism industry and local visual and performing artists to integrate artistic elements into various tourism settings, like hotel interiors or public murals, and feature live performances at venues. This approach highlights the state’s vibrant artistic heritage and boosts economic benefits for local creative communities.
Arts and Creative Industries 2: Boost Art Venues through Grant Programs
Art venues, galleries, and performance spaces play a vital role in showcasing Colorado’s vibrant artistic culture and heritage, drawing tourists and strengthening community bonds through the arts. Financial support through initiatives such as the Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) Colorado Creates grants program can enable venue enhancements, promote diverse cultural events, and elevate these spaces as essential destinations for tourism.
Arts and Creative Industries 3: Promote Diverse Arts through Festivals and Events
Organizing arts and music festivals that showcase local talent provides visitors with an immersive experience of Colorado’s diverse artistic expressions.Tourism entities play an important role in curating events that feature performances from local artists. These festivals celebrate local talent while attracting visitors, thereby contributing to the cultural identity and economic vitality of communities.
Arts and Creative Industries 4: Cultivate Artistic Approaches to Stewardship Challenges
Collaborating with artists and arts organizations presents a unique opportunity for the tourism industry to foster partnerships and unlock the potential of art to inspire and educate. By tapping into the creativity and insight of the artistic community, innovative solutions can positively influence visitor behavior. Such initiatives could include public art installations that raise awareness about environmental conservation to performances that highlight cultural preservation.
Arts and Creative Industries 5: Promote Creative Venues and Galleries to Visitors
Promoting creative venues and galleries as key cultural attractions enhances the visibility of local artists and creative industries, boosting the economic and cultural appeal of communities across Colorado. Directing visitors to explore local art galleries, boutiques, craft stores, and performance spaces supports the diverse expressions of creativity found throughout the state. Strategic marketing campaigns, engaging promotional materials, and clearly marked signage can effectively draw visitors to these vibrant creative outlets, enriching their travel experience and supporting local economies.
Arts and Creative Industries 6: Amplify Local Artisan Markets
Supporting local artisan markets and craft fairs in public spaces enhances the visibility of authentic, locally crafted products and enriches the visitor experience. Promoting these markets provide opportunities for visitors to engage directly with the creative community, allowing them to take home souvenirs that support local artists and makers.
Arts and Creative Industries 7: Elevate Colorado’s Music Scene
Organizing and promoting music events in rural areas and during off-peak seasons can spotlight Colorado’s rich music scene and contemporary talent. Integrating live music into various venues such as public spaces, restaurants, and breweries, further supports local musicians. This not only nurtures the local music industry but also strengthens community ties and enriches cultural experiences in often overlooked areas.
Arts and Creative Industries 8: Create Interactive Artistic Experiences
Developing interactive artistic experiences allows visitors to immerse themselves in Colorado’s arts scene by engaging directly with artists through studio tours, participatory art events, and workshops. This strategy fosters a deeper appreciation and understanding of the artistic process while supporting local artists by showcasing their work and talents in an intimate setting. Creating open studio tours and art workshops enriches the visitor experience, bringing art to life and promoting cultural exchange and understanding.
Arts and Creative Industries 9: Develop and Promote Community Arts Guides
A Community Arts Guide can be a valuable resource for directing visitors to local art events, galleries, and artists’ studios. This strategy focuses on the creation and distribution of detailed guides that spotlight regional art happenings and artistic venues, empowering both residents and visitors to fully explore and appreciate the diversity of artistic expression in Colorado. These guides will promote greater engagement with the arts, drive traffic to local art venues, and support the economic sustainability of artists and art organizations.
Arts and Creative Industries 10: Integrate Art into Outdoor Recreation
Integrating art into outdoor recreation spaces offers a unique opportunity to blend Colorado’s natural beauty with creative expression. Through “art in the parks” partnerships among Colorado’s 48 state parks, public land management agencies, and regional arts organizations, this strategy seeks to place art and music installations in parks, open spaces, and along trails. These installations enhance the aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces and encourage deeper engagement with the environment and local culture.