DENVER – Today, Governor Polis and the Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced seven new Creative Districts across the state, including six rural communities. By certifying communities that boost jobs, incomes, and investments through arts and culture, the Colorado Creative Districts program strengthens local economies and community identities by ensuring that arts and culture remain a core pillar of community development.
“In Colorado, Creative Districts play an incredibly important role in supporting our thriving and growing arts and culture economy in Colorado. These seven new Creative Districts in Boulder County, Jefferson County, La Plata County, San Juan County, and Summit Counties will create jobs, strengthen local economies, and provide spaces for innovation and creativity to flourish across our state,” said Governor Polis.
The new Creative Districts include: Estes Arts District, Evergreen Creative District, Ignacio Creative District, Lyons Creative District, North Boulder (NoBo) Art District, Silverthorne Creative District and Silverton Creative District.
“The Colorado Creative Districts program is a cornerstone of our efforts to empower all Coloradans to thrive in our economy. By investing in these creative hubs, we are not only supporting artists and entrepreneurs but also strengthening the unique identity and economic vitality of our communities,” said Eve Lieberman, OEDIT Executive Director.
In Colorado, the creative industries are recognized as a key contributor to quality of life and a significant contributor to the state’s economy. Arts and culture contribute $19.7 billion, or 3.7% of the state’s economy, and support over 121,000 jobs across Colorado. With today’s announcement, the total number of certified creative districts grows to 37 (a full list can be found on the Colorado Creative Districts program page).
“CCI welcomes these creative communities into Colorado’s growing network of certified Creative Districts,” said CCI Director Josh Blanchard. “Each new district shows a strong local commitment to arts and culture, backed by a strategic plan that guides their long-term success and impact. We’re excited to support these unique cultural hubs, each reflecting Colorado’s vibrant spirit and helping make the arts more accessible to all.”
To achieve certification, districts demonstrated a strong commitment to several key areas, including local government recognition of the arts, a vibrant concentration of creative organizations and businesses, diverse and sustainable funding sources, dedicated paid staff, and a well-defined strategic plan.
Along with official designation, benefits of the program include financial support for newly certified districts and after being certified for a year or more, access to resources and a learning community among districts, marketing support, Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) highway signs and leadership training.
Today's announcement continues the State’s strategic support of the arts in Colorado. In June 2025, CCI launched the Colorado Community Revitalization Tax Credit to support creative sector capital projects that incorporate features like housing, childcare, retail, or other community spaces.
About Colorado Creative Industries
Colorado’s Creative Industries Division, Colorado’s state arts agency, is a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Established to capitalize on the immense potential for our creative sector to enhance economic growth in Colorado, the mission of Colorado Creative Industries is to promote, support and expand the creative industries to drive Colorado’s economy, grow jobs and enhance our quality of life. oedit.colorado.gov/colorado-creative-industries About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado’s economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.