Colorado: Strengthening the Creative Industries: Seven New Creative Districts Certified Across the State

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DENVER ~ Denver, CO - In a press release today, Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced the addition of seven new Creative Districts across the state. This includes six rural communities, highlighting the importance of arts and culture in all areas of Colorado.

The Colorado Creative Districts program aims to certify communities that promote job growth, increase incomes, and attract investments through their support of arts and culture. By doing so, these districts not only strengthen local economies but also preserve community identities by making sure that arts and culture remain a vital part of community development.

Governor Polis expressed his enthusiasm for the program's expansion, stating that "Creative Districts play an incredibly important role in supporting our thriving and growing arts and culture economy in Colorado." He believes that these new districts in Boulder County, Jefferson County, La Plata County, San Juan County, and Summit Counties will create jobs, boost local economies, and provide spaces for innovation and creativity to flourish.

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The seven new Creative Districts are Estes Arts District, Evergreen Creative District, Ignacio Creative District, Lyons Creative District, North Boulder (NoBo) Art District, Silverthorne Creative District, and Silverton Creative District. Each district has demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting arts and culture within their communities.

Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of OEDIT, emphasized the importance of investing in creative hubs to empower all Coloradans to thrive in the economy. She believes that by supporting artists and entrepreneurs through programs like this one, they are also strengthening the unique identity and economic vitality of each community.

In Colorado alone, arts and culture contribute $19.7 billion to the state's economy - equivalent to 3.7% - and support over 121,000 jobs. With today's announcement, there are now a total of 37 certified creative districts in the state.

Josh Blanchard, Director of CCI, welcomed the new districts into Colorado's growing network of certified Creative Districts. He praised each district for their strong local commitment to arts and culture, as well as their strategic plans for long-term success and impact. Blanchard believes that these unique cultural hubs reflect Colorado's vibrant spirit and make the arts more accessible to all.

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To achieve certification, districts had to demonstrate a strong commitment to several key areas, including recognition of the arts by local government, a concentration of creative organizations and businesses, diverse and sustainable funding sources, dedicated paid staff, and a well-defined strategic plan.

In addition to official designation, certified districts also receive financial support and access to resources through the program. After being certified for a year or more, they also have access to a learning community among districts, marketing support, Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) highway signs, and leadership training.

Today's announcement is part of the state's ongoing efforts to support the arts in Colorado. In June 2025, CCI launched the Colorado Community Revitalization Tax Credit program to fund creative sector capital projects that incorporate features like housing, childcare, retail spaces or other community spaces. This further highlights the state's commitment to promoting arts and culture as an essential part of economic development.

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