Re-Cap: Colorado Creative Industries Press Conference

In a packed warehouse and workspace at Newell Design in Denver’s RiNo (River North Arts) District, an estimated 250 ‘creatives’ stood and listened as Governor Bill Ritter, along with Lt. Governor, Barbara O’Brien, and a host of other panelists addressed the audience on three new bills designed to help support and boost Colorado’s creative economy.

The first bill is a reorganization and merging of three current government art and cultural programs; the Colorado Council on the Arts, Art in Public Places and the Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media into the ‘Colorado Creative Industry Division’. Elaine Mariner, Executive Director for the Colorado Council on the Arts, says that this will create a new kind of synergy, working all together as a team and addressing needs across all creative disciplines. She also notes that by consolidating the efforts of the three programs under the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, there will be an opportunity to engage additional sectors, such as small business development and renewable energy, which play into Ritter’s overarching and strategic plans for statewide economic growth.

Building a solid foundation for the creative industries in Colorado’s government is a quintessential step for expansion in this area. The other two bill announcements that were made during Ritter’s appearance highlight Colorado’s existing commitment for the arts and reinstate their purpose, referred to as 'clean-up' bills. The Arts In Public Places statute, related to new construction projects, ensures that all state owned buildings will continue to have 1% of funds set aside for artistic contributions. This bill has been in effect for 30 years, but with recent changes in how new construction is financed through the government; the main point of observance in this case is that those monies will continue to be available. 

The second clarifying bill has to do with removing a stipulation that has proved to limit the film industry here. As it stands, production companies receive a 10% tax incentive for choosing to film in Colorado, but the bill states they must also retain 75% of production costs within the state. Not reflecting the realistic nature of film-making, this tax incentive has gone largely ignored by production and film-making companies. The new bill will lift the 75% requirement, thus hopefully opening increased opportunities for film production to Colorado.

The news delivered at the press conference is welcome, but perhaps the more robust statement made was in the number of people who gathered from Colorado creative businesses near and far and by recognition from the speakers, emphasizing the arts as a viable and serious business. As dictated in the Colorado Council on the Arts’ recent study on the state’s creative economy; 186,000 jobs are currently associated with creative enterprises and occupations, ranking it as Colorado’s fifth largest employment sector. In addition, for Denver alone, the cultural tourist spends $1.7 billion per year, 36% more than the average tourist.

Jeff Newell of Newell Designs newelldesignstudio.com, who hosted the press conference, worked with Elaine Mariner to organize the event. Starting Newell Designs in Denver twelve years ago and now operating on an international scale, Newell has a unique vantage point on Colorado’s creative economy. He says, “Civilizations are defined by culture and cultures are defined by their art.” The hope is that these tweaks in government support will facilitate the beginning of a long term outcome, one that places Colorado on the map for sustainable job creation and a home for top creative talent.

 Newell Design Showroom.

 Newell Design workshop, filled with an estimated 250 people.

 Lt. Governor, Barbara O'Brien introducing Governor Bill Ritter. 

Ritter explaining the three new legislative initiatives for expanding Colorado's creative economy.  

Senator, Linda Newell. In the background, (from left to right) Lt Governor, Barbara O'Brien; Governor, Bill Ritter; Members of The Creative Council Advisory Committee: Beth Slifer (Slifer Designs in Vail), Arthur Thomas (Colours TV).

 Representaitive, Joe Rice, speaking on the synthesis between business, arts and the community.

Designorth table. Designorth is a collaboration of design professionals within the RiNo Arts District, representing 14 prominent businesses that are helping to shape Colorado's creative landscape. designorthdenver.com

Words + Images: Melissa Belongea