Four Reasons Why Colorado is a Great Place for Arts and Culture

Colorado has a bustling arts and culture industry. From downtown Denver to the Western Slope, the state is attracting and nourishing artists through arts and culture organizations large and small and ranks #1 in arts participation in the country, according to the Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Here are four reasons why Colorado is a great place for arts and culture.

Strong Contributor to the State’s Economy
Goods and services produced by museums, artists, and other artistically inclined organizations accounted for 4.3% of Colorado’s GDP and contributed $13.7 billion to state’s economy in 2015, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Colorado Creative Industries
As part of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Colorado Creative Industries supports and promotes artists, entrepreneurs, and communities that contribute to the creative economy. Thanks to the Colorado Creative Industries, the state has 21 creative districts and offers grants, awards, and professional opportunities.

An Abundance of Art and Culture Events
There is never a shortage of events to attend. From the Colorado Shakespeare Festival in Boulder to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, there are numerous arts and culture events to enjoy year round.

Public Art Scene
From Denver International Airport to Grand Junction, you can find public art displayed all across the state. The state’s public art program started in 1977 and currently has 40 programs and over 500 artworks from over 300 artists.

Ready to cultivate your passion for the arts?  Explore the Arts and Culture program or contact Enrollment Manager Chris Heriza at chris.heriza@du.edu.