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Colorado

2024 Honoree -

Biography

Governor Jared Polis’ investments in the creative sector in partnership with Colorado Creative Industries, a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, have pushed arts and cultural production to account for $16.9B and 3.9% of the Colorado economy, contributing to 102,383 direct jobs. Colorado ranks in the top five of all states regarding the number of people performing and creating art, and it leads all other states for the number of people attending performing arts events.

Update on Americans for the Arts Events in 2023

Thursday, February 16, 2023

A six-piece brass band performs on stage in front of an enthusiastic audience, against a colorful backdrop that reads: Annual Convention 2022.

During 2022’s Strategic Realignment Process, we worked with members and other stakeholders to identify the specific and unique role of Americans for the Arts within the arts and culture community. While we continue to evaluate and evolve our offerings, here’s the latest update on some of our flagship events, including the National Arts Action Summit, Annual Convention, and the National Arts Marketing Project Conference.

Congress Passes Omnibus Package with Provisions that Support the Arts

Thursday, January 5, 2023

The U.S. Capitol building, which is a white marble dome with colonnades, against a bright blue sky.
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On December 23, 2022, the United States Congress passed, and President Biden enacted, an end-of-year omnibus package that funds the government for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) and has provisions that support the arts. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) will be funded each at $207 million, a $27 million increase from last year.

Animating Democracy Transitions & Appreciations

Monday, December 19, 2022

Two smiling people pose in front of a colorful wall of art. They lean toward each other in collegial friendship.

Having launched the Animating Democracy program in 1999, Co-Directors Barbara Schaffer Bacon and Pam Korza have decided that 2022 completes their tenure providing program leadership for this transformative initiative. In 2023, Americans for the Arts will determine Animating Democracy’s next chapter by assessing what the organization can uniquely offer and exploring possible partnerships. We will also continue to promote Animating Democracy’s tools and resources.

Americans for the Arts Launches Multimedia Platform in New Phase of Its Strategic Realignment Process

‘Designing Our Destiny’ Platform Charts New Path Forward for Americans for the Arts 

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Light blue graphic with white text that reads: Designing our Destiny. Swooping lines in orange and purple surround the text and form a star above the words: Americans for the Arts.
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Americans for the Arts today launched a multimedia platform that will serve as a hub for results and information pertaining to its Strategic Realignment Process (SRP), which the organization undertook during 2022. With the SRP completed, the Designing Our Destiny platform represents Americans for the Arts’ new path forward to better serve the arts and culture field. 


Mr. Jay H. Dick

Colorado Representative Leslie Herod Advocates for the Arts in General Assembly

Posted by Mr. Jay H. Dick, Nov 03, 2022


Mr. Jay H. Dick

Americans for the Arts, in partnership with the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), presented Colorado State Representative Leslie Herod with the 2021 Public Leadership in the Arts Award for her work in advancing arts and culture, especially during the pandemic to help artists and arts organizations survive. As Chair of the Colorado House Appropriations Committee, she has used her influence to ensure that arts and culture are not only seen as economic engines but are treated with the respect they deserve. Rep. Herod is fond of comparing the economic impact of the state’s arts and culture sector to its ski industry. Aware that everyone in Colorado knows that the ski industry is huge in the state—supporting jobs and bringing in tax revenue—she notes that the ski industry is $4.8 billion dollars, while arts and culture is a $14.4 billion dollar industry, generating about three times more than the ski industry. Rep. Herod believes that the arts bring diverse groups of people together to inspire connections, create change, and support economic vibrancy. She believes that the shortest distance between people are their stories, and the arts open doors to conversations that define us as a community and address complex issues to create greater understanding. 

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Americans for the Arts Partners with Free People to Advocate for the Importance of Arts in Early Public Education

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Text graphic with a neutral colored background and pink and yellow painted smudges at left and right. Stylized text reads: Free People x Americans for the Arts Presents The Creative Spirit Fund, supporting the arts in public schools across the nation.

Americans for the Arts and lifestyle brand Free People today announced a first-time partnership, which includes a Creative Spirit Fund that empowers public school arts educators to fund the next generation of diverse creators. The partnership advocates for the importance of arts in early public education. Through this program, Free People will be distributing 10 awards of $4,000 each to public school educators across the United States in great need of support in teaching art, music, dance, theater, and creative writing and other artistic disciplines.

Statement on the Executive Order reestablishing the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities

Friday, September 30, 2022

Smiling person wearing glasses and a blue suit in front of a wall with framed art.
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Americans for the Arts President and CEO Nolen V. Bivens issued a statement of support following the Sept. 30, 2022, White House Executive Order reestablishing the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.

Announcing India Carney as the 2022 National Arts & Humanities Month Ambassador

Friday, September 23, 2022

Black and white photo of a person with lush curly hair wearing a dark turtleneck shirt and resting their head on a propped up arm.

Americans for the Arts is thrilled to collaborate with musician India Carney as our 2022 Ambassador for National Arts & Humanities Month. India will use her platform throughout the month of October to advocate for artists and share her love of culture and journey to becoming a professional musician as we promote the crucial role of the arts and humanities.

New online tool available to help arts organizations with emergency planning

Thursday, September 22, 2022

D Plan Arts Ready logo
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By taking preparedness actions and creating a disaster plan, cultural heritage and arts organizations can reduce the risk of disaster and minimize their losses. dPlan|ArtsReady is an online emergency preparedness and response tool for arts and cultural organizations—regardless of size, scope, or discipline—to prevent or mitigate disasters, prepare for the most likely emergencies, respond quickly to minimize damage, and recover effectively while continuing to provide services to your community.

Take a “Creative Stay” in Colorado

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Logo for Creative Stays, which resembles a vintage motel sign with its font and diamond shape. Below the logo text reads: Artistic itineraries in and around Colorado Springs.
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The Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region recently launched Creative Stays to attract cultural tourists to Colorado Springs and the surrounding community. Perfect for out-of-town visitors and local residents, Creative Stays offers a variety of new ways to explore and enjoy some of the wonderful attractions and amenities that the Pikes Peak region has to offer.

Anti-Racism Professional Development for Arts Leaders

Thursday, June 23, 2022

CELC logo, white text on an orange background
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Registration is now open for the Cultural Equity Learning Community 2.0, a two-unit, asynchronous anti-racism course for arts and culture leaders committed to building intersectional racial equity. Two cohorts (Summer and Fall 2022) are currently offered with a sliding scale payment structure. Registration closes on Wednesday, July 13 for the Summer cohort, and on Wednesday, Aug. 31 for the Fall cohort.

Uplifting communities through art with Corel’s #DrawUsTogether campaign

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Multi-colored line drawing of a person crouching and reaching out to a dog that stands on its hind legs. Below are logos for Corel and Americans for the Arts. Text reads: In a divided world, here’s one way you can Draw Us Together.
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#DrawUsTogether is an innovative new global initiative created by Corel designed to flood social media with follow-worthy creations that spread joy and give people a sense of unity. For every piece of unique artwork shared using the #DrawUsTogether hashtag, Corel will donate $1 up to $50,000 to Americans for the Arts.

Americans For The Arts Debuts Improved Arts + Social Impact Explorer

Friday, May 20, 2022

Screenshot of the Social Impact Explorer wheel, with 30 wedges in a rainbow of colors.

Americans for the Arts has introduced a new 2.0 version of the Arts + Social Impact Explorer, the most comprehensive clearinghouse of example projects and research about the role of arts in community life available today. The Explorer provides examples, datapoints, links to research papers, and lists of active organizations to illustrate the impact of arts and culture in 30 aspects of community life from public health to transportation, safety, community cohesion, and innovation. 

Centering Equity and Inclusion, Americans for the Arts Launches ‘Arts & Economic Prosperity 6’ Study

Data Collection for Sixth National Study of Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Culture Industry Set to Begin May 1

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Americans for the Arts logo
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Americans for the Arts is pleased to announce the launch of Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), the sixth national study of the economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture industry. Building on its 25-year legacy, AEP6 will examine the economic power that the arts and culture wield in 387 participating communities representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Each community will receive a customized economic impact report about the number of jobs supported, government revenue generated, and economic activity of its nonprofit arts and culture sector.

National Endowment for the Arts Releases Equity Action Plan

Thursday, April 14, 2022

National Endowment for the Arts logo
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Today, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) joined more than 90 federal agencies in releasing an Equity Action Plan in accordance with President Biden’s Executive Order 13985 on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. The order outlines a whole-of-government mandate to advance equity for all Americans through a comprehensive approach to all government practices.

Negative Economic Impact of COVID-19 on Nation’s Arts & Culture Sector Was Significant, New Government Research Shows

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Graffiti style mural painted on a brick wall showing a nurse in traditional white uniform and a white mask with a heartbeat graph behind them and COVID-19 above them.
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For the first time since the post-Great Recession period, the year-over-year value add of arts and culture production declined in 2020, from $930 billion in 2019 to an estimated $877 billion in 2020. Even with that decline, however, the economic impact of the creative sector is significant: the sector represented 4.2% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2020 and supported 4.6 million wage and salary workers.

Nominations Open for the 2022 Annual Leadership Awards

Monday, March 14, 2022

Close up photo of the leadership award, a clear glass square with half of the blue Americans for the Arts star, being held by a person in a yellow cardigan.

Americans for the Arts is now accepting nominations of arts leaders from your community for the 2022 Annual Leadership Awards. The deadline to nominate an arts leader for the Alene Valkanas State Arts Advocacy Award, the American Express Emerging Leader Award, and the Selina Roberts Ottum Award is Friday, April 8.

Registration Now Open for Annual Convention 2022 in Washington, D.C. and Online

Emerge, Converge, and Progress Through Arts, Culture, and Creativity

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Illustrated graphic with bold colorful patterns, floral accents, and the Americans for the Arts logo. Text reads "2022 Annual Convention, Washington, D.C., May 18-20."

Registration is now open for the 2022 Americans for the Arts Annual Convention! A live, in-person event will be held May 18-20 in Washington, D.C., and recorded content from the live event will be made available for a fee in a limited time digital on-demand format in June 2022. To maintain health and safety protocols, there is a firm registration deadline of May 2, 2022, to attend the in-person event. 

American Rescue Plan Funding Trackers Identify Arts and Culture Spending

Thursday, February 17, 2022

The American Rescue Plan logo
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The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provides $350 billion to mitigate economic harm from the COVID-19 pandemic. Three of Americans for the Arts’ partner organizations have created online trackers that provide concrete examples of how governments are using ARPA funds to support the arts and culture.

Registration Open for the 2022 National Arts Action Summit

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

National Arts Action Summit logo

Arts advocates from across the United States will gather virtually March 28-30, 2022, for the National Arts Action Summit, now in its 35th consecutive year. This year, for the first time, there will be no registration fee to attend the National Arts Action Summit for both individuals and partner organizations.

Americans for the Arts Now Accepting Nominations for Public Leadership in the Arts Awards

Nominating Your Elected Official Advances and Supports the Arts in Your Community

Monday, February 14, 2022

A dark red, fluted glass bowl with black and beige streaks going horizontally through the exterior center, sitting atop a black marble base

Americans for the Arts is now accepting nominations for the Public Leadership in the Arts Awards. These annual awards honor elected officials for their consistent and outstanding support and promotion of the arts as key to advancing equity, uniting communities, preserving culture, and boosting the economy.

Congressional Arts Champions Boost Creative Economy Policy with Seven New Bills

Friday, February 4, 2022

Image of seven colorful puzzle pieces fitted together under the header "Federal Creative Economy Legislation"
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There is now more pro-creative economy legislation being considered by Congress than at any other point in U.S. history. In the last several months arts advocates have been working with members of Congress to introduce an historic lineup of pro-arts legislation that map a new, more equitable and impactful policy landscape for creative businesses and workers.

Increasing Access and Opening the Submission Process for Annual Convention

Thursday, January 27, 2022

Americans for the Arts logo

Americans for the Arts’ 2022 Annual Convention will take place May 18-20, 2022, in Washington, D.C. The event will be simplified, shorter, and more accessible, and the public may participate in a more open and equitable session submission process through Feb. 15, 2022.

Americans for the Arts Welcomes Consultants to Strategic Realignment Process

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Americans for the Arts logo

After six months of hearing candid feedback from the field and internal planning, Americans for the Arts is set to begin the next phase of the Strategic Realignment Process toward redefining its unique role as a service organization to the arts and culture field and the public good. The organization has engaged the services of three consulting organizations to support the process: Arts Consulting Group, The Hewlin Group, and Hope Nation.

New Guide Shares Arts Data Best Practices for Cities

Thursday, December 9, 2021

Cover of a report titled "Arts Data in the Public Sector: Strategies for Local Arts Agencies" by Bloomberg Associates.
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Arts Data in the Public Sector: Strategies for Local Arts Agencies summarizes findings from extensive sector research and an in-depth analysis of data practices of 15 local arts agencies across the country. Through best practices and case studies, the guide aims to help city arts leaders use data to show measurable impact, identify priority policy areas, and promote access to the arts across communities.

Americans for the Arts Presents 2021 Public Leadership in the Arts Award to Representative Leslie Herod of Colorado

Thursday, December 9, 2021

Woman with long, wavy, dark hair wearing a peach colored blazer and white blouse
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In partnership with the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Americans for the Arts is pleased to present Representative Leslie Herod (D-CO) with the Public Leadership in the Arts Award for State Arts Leadership. The award recognizes a state legislator who has consistently advocated for the advancement of pro-arts legislation, funding, and promotion in their region. The ceremony took place this morning at the NCSL Jobs Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Diversity in Arts Leadership Internship Applications Now Open!

Friday, December 3, 2021

A photo of former Diversity in Arts Leadership interns and the text "Diversity in Arts Leadership Internship Program, a paid summer internship for undergraduate students from backgrounds underrepresented in arts leadership."

Americans for the Arts and its national partners are excited to announce that applications for the Diversity in Arts Leadership (DIAL) internship program are now open! Summer 2022 will mark the 30th year of the DIAL program, and host sites have expanded once again to six national locations: New York City, New Jersey, Nashville, Boston, Sarasota (FL), and Raleigh/Wake County (NC). The deadline for applications is January 14, 2022.

NEA Announces American Rescue Plan Grants to Local Arts Agencies

Thursday, November 18, 2021

A graphic of a city block with several arts-based buidlings. Below the graphic reads 'The National Endowment for the Arts', and next to that reads 'American Rescue Plan'
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The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) today announced American Rescue Plan (ARP) grants totaling $20,200,000 to 66 local arts agencies for subgranting to help the arts and cultural sector recover from the pandemic.

Arts Education for All Act Introduced

A first-ever arts education bill introduced in Congress

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Smiling person with short brown hair wearing a red blazer, posed in front of an American flag.
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The Arts Education for All Act, the broadest arts education policy bill ever introduced in Congress, includes key provisions that will support and encourage the offering of arts education and programming experiences to Americans including our youngest learners, K-12 students, and youth impacted by the juvenile justice system; and would allow for rigorous arts and arts education research to be carried out to further inform how elementary and secondary education in our country can be improved.

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