When we talk about the people who make up our incredible workforce, we always mention that we are smart, we are fit and we are entrepreneurial. But don’t forget we are creative and innovative!
For almost 30 years, we’ve been supporting that creativity with our Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). This seven-county organization provides funding for hundreds of arts and cultural organizations across the metro area through a sales tax that collets one penny on every $10 purchased. When the region initially approved the district back in 1988, we knew it would be a good way to sustain and grow our cultural assets delivering an even greater quality of life for Colorado. The bonus is we also have been able to attract and grow one of the most innovative and creative workforces in the country.
The organizations funded by the SCFD are thriving. And, we are all better because of it.
Just last week, the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts’ biennial Economic Activity Study was released. The Chamber is a partner in commissioning and delivering the study. Here are some highlights depicting the economic impact of these scientific and cultural organizations:
- $1.8 billion in economic activity—from operating these organizations to what we as audience members spend to visit these institutions
- $512.8 million in economic impact—that’s new money like cultural tourism (the largest we’ve had at $376 million) and grant dollars
- 10,731 jobs
- 3.9 million children who experience arts and culture with these organizations each year
Those numbers only include the institutions who received funding from SCFD—the impact of all arts and cultural organizations is even greater. It’s clear that SCFD creates an incredible return on our region’s investment. This year’s study is timely, because in November we are voting on, well, a lot of issues (check out our full guide here), and the reauthorization of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District is one of those ballot issues. Vote yes on 4B to reauthorize the SCFD.
Kelly Brough is president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.