The Denver metropolitan area’s arts and business communities are poised for revitalization in 2024. There are dual challenges and opportunities in the midst of current economic and political uncertainties, including ongoing wars, political divisions, inflation, climate impacts, and technological advances.
The arts and culture sector faces the challenge of dreaming big and setting bold goals for the future, while simultaneously navigating the complexities of a dynamic global situation. Despite the challenges, there is widespread optimism based on the proven value of investing in the arts as a driver of economic growth and community well-being.
Get the morning headlines delivered to your inbox
In late 2023, the Colorado Arts and Business Commission released an updated research report based on 2022 data that showed a record recovery in the Denver metro area’s nonprofit arts and culture sector. While this recovery has been primarily supported by significant federal funding relief following the pandemic, we now face the challenge of identifying new funding partners and resources for sustained growth.
CBCA’s Greater Denver Cultural Economic Activity Study found that the economic impact of federal funds increased by 2,754.2% compared to 2019 numbers. These funds, including the Shattered Venue Operator Grant, Paycheck Protection Program Loan, CARES Act, and Colorado Artist Relief Fund, play a critical role in ensuring the survival of many arts, cultural, and scientific organizations in the region. I accomplished it.
Colorado ranks 46th out of 50 states in per capita spending on arts and culture, and ranks last among Western states in funding for arts agencies.
The influx of funding will enable non-profit arts, culture and science organizations in the seven-county Denver metropolitan area to have a record $2.6 billion in overall economic activity, creating more than 13,500 jobs in the sector, and More than 12.9 million people attended the event. Man. The ripple effects of overall economic activity generated by these organizations have a significant impact on the economy of the entire region.
While federal funding reached its highest level in 2022, donations to arts, culture, and science organizations also broke records, including individual donations and donations to scientific and cultural facilities districts. But challenges persist, with attendance still 15% below pre-pandemic levels and nonprofits’ labor costs rising by a similar amount.
To fill the void left by pandemic-related relief funds, support from local and state elected officials, business leaders, community foundations, and individuals is essential to sustaining a vibrant arts and culture sector is.
SCFD is the largest single source of funding for arts, cultural, and scientific organizations in the metropolitan area, consistently providing stability and momentum. However, we cannot rely solely on SCFD to sustain and grow the economic and social impact of the nonprofit arts and culture sector in the Denver metropolitan area. The creative sector has disproportionate funding needs in other parts of the state, such as the Front Range, rural and mountain communities, and these areas have been severely underfunded for decades.
Colorado ranks 46th out of 50 states in per capita spending on arts and culture, and ranks last among Western states in funding for arts agencies. We need leaders from all sectors, especially business, to take action and champion the arts during this year’s legislative session and through partnerships and philanthropy.
A sustained post-pandemic recovery means more than just money. It’s about restoring the resilience of Denver’s cultural experiences, community engagement, and vibrant creative ecosystem. It will take all of us to make this happen, and we will all benefit.
Join the Colorado Arts Action Network and join the Colorado Arts Business Council to advocate for increased funding for the arts and culture sector. To ensure arts and culture continues to thrive, we need the support of Colorado’s elected officials, business leaders, and foundations.