There’s plenty to love about living in Colorado, from our amazing outdoors to our fantastic pro sports to our exceptional and world renowned arts and cultural venues.
But you already knew that. Over half of you reading this likely attended a live performing arts event in the last year and almost 60 percent of you went to see visual arts—two facts that rank Colorado number one in the country for attendance at arts and cultural spots.
So what makes us different? Much like our approach in business, it’s our perspective and our willingness to work together as a region that really make us stand out. Almost 30 years ago, voters created the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), a penny-on-$10 sales tax that today supports over 300 organizations. You’ll recognize it as the organization that provides free days to some of our arts and cultural venues.
But what the SCFD has accomplished is much more than simply financial support. It attracts the creative class, it fosters innovation and it helps build the workforce we need. Today, the district serves as a national model for how to create a strong environment for arts and culture and helps draw new people to our region. That’s why it’s so important that the legislature refer the ballot issue to reauthorize funding for the SCFD for the November election. The Chamber has supported the SCFD since its inception and we ask you vote yes with us once again.
The Chamber is also partnering with the Denver Art Museum (even though I have a VERY big left brain) and I will be part of the Denver Art Museum’s Untitled event on Friday night. I found a couple of fantastic art pieces in their western American art gallery that I’ll be talking about—and sharing how I think they relate to our values and how we do business. It will be a great night and a great way to support our arts and culture venues. Click here to find out more; hope to see you there.
Kelly Brough is president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.