Colorado Creative Districts

Colorado Creative Districts Program Summary The Colorado Creative Districts program certifies communities that contribute to our state’s economy through the arts. The program’s goal is to help communities increase investments in creative places. Colorado Creative Districts attract artists and creative entrepreneurs to a community, infusing new energy and innovation, which in turn enhances the economic and civic capital of the community. Districts also serve as a focal point for celebrating and strengthening a community’s unique identity, become a space to showcase cultural and artistic organizations and events, and contribute to the development of healthy communities. Benefits of the program include: A cash award of up to $10,000 for newly certified districts (local match required). A technical and professional assistance fund available to districts that have been certified for one or more years (local match required). A marketing strategy developed in partnership with the Colorado Tourism Office to support tourism and bring Colorado’s Creative Districts to a national audience. Support in developing and pitching content and news about how creativity is changing Colorado through the work of creative districts. Two highway signs placed on state highways near districts. Access to statewide economic data on the impact of creative districts. Access to creative economy data. Facilitate access to resources and facilitate a learning community among districts. A year after certification, districts can apply for the technical and professional assistance grant (see below) for projects and activities that support strategic goals. Overview Type:  technical assistance For:  Communities Applications:  By invitation only OEDIT division:  Colorado Creative Industries Expand All Map of creative districts Grants for Certified Creative Districts The Certified Creative District Project and Technical Assistance Fund Grant FY26 is open on a rolling basis through April 14, 2026. Eligibility Districts must go through a rigorous application and certification process in order to become a Certified Colorado Creative District. Communities need to: Complete one of these two prerequisites: Call Yourself Creative Program Be a contiguous area, with a mix of uses in the boundaries, that is easy to walk and navigate. Be distinguished by cultural resources. Be a concentrated area of artistic and cultural activity, including. major arts or culture businesses, arts and cultural activities, or artistic/cultural and creative sector production. educate on aspects of arts and culture. Have broad community support and buy-in. Be a structured entity such as municipal or county government, a registered neighborhood organization, downtown or economic development authority, 501(c)(3), or 501(c)(6). Have an advisory or governing board. Have paid district staff (can be a dedicated percentage of time). Have a strategic plan (preferably covers three to five years). Have a minimum $10,000 cash operating budget and sustainable funding source(s). If your community is not eligible or does not wish to become a formally certified Colorado Creative District, you may be interested in the Call Yourself Creative program . How to Apply CCI is not accepting new certification applications in FY26. Stay tuned for updates and deadlines by subscribing to the CCI newsletter . In preparation for future rounds of applications, review the previous FY25 Certification and Recertification Guidelines, (Google Docs). Selection and Appeal Processes Selection process A panel of experts in creative districts and community development will review applications and approve a list of finalists. The reviewers will evaluate and rank applications with these categories and weights: Creative district information (30%)

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