DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado certified seven new creative districts across the state to support local economies and help to make sure that arts and culture remain a core pilar of the communities.
Gov. Polis and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade’s Creative Industries division announced the new creative districts on Wednesday, including six in rural communities.
The governor’s office said the certification will help to strengthen local economies and community identities.
New creative districts:
- Estes Arts District
- Evergreen Creative District
- Ignacio Creative District
- Lyons Creative District
- North Boulder (NoBo) Art District
- Silverthorne Creative District
- Silverton Creative District
The communities boost jobs, incomes and investments through arts and culture, and have demonstrated a strong commitment in key areas like local government recognition of the arts, vibrant concentration of creative organizations and businesses, diverse and sustainable funding sources, dedicated paid staff and a strategic plan, according to a press release from the governor’s office.
Gov. Polis added that the certifications will provide spaces for innovation and creativity to flourish.
The creative industries are considered a key contributor to quality of life in Colorado, and the economy. According to the release, arts and culture supports over 121,000 jobs across the state and contribute $19.7 billion, or 3.7% of the state’s economy.
There are now 37 creative districts across the state.
The designation brings benefits like financial support for districts after being certified for a year or more, as well as resources and a learning community, marketing support, highway signs and leadership training.
Colorado in recent years ranked No. 1 in the percentage of residents who perform or create art, according to the National Endowment for the Arts’ participation study.

Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.