Evidence shows that local arts and culture are a vital component of the economy and quality of life of the Pikes Peak Region, and Bee Vradenburg Foundation testifies to their enduring value.
In addition to grantmaking, Foundation staff and trustees are deeply committed to supporting efforts to strengthen the sustainability of the arts sector and expand awareness of its assets.
The Foundation advocates for the arts using the following publications and resources. Click through to learn why the arts are the soul of this thriving community!
Publications and Resources
Arts Vision 2030 is the 10-year cultural plan for the Pikes Peak Region. Presented by the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region and Bee Vradenburg Foundation, the plan offers 40 pages of in-depth information about the current arts and cultural community of the Pikes Peak Region and what it envisions for its future, based on months of research.
PlanCOS, the master plan of development for the City of Colorado Springs, promotes and embraces arts, culture, and education as essential parts of our lives and our identity.
The Western States Arts Federation Creative Vitality Index measures the economic impact of creative entrepreneurs and organizations. As of 2019, the Colorado Springs metro area had 12,000 creative industry jobs that contribute $643 million to the local economy annually. The state-certified creative district of Downtown Colorado Springs boasts six times the national average figure for creative-industry jobs, revenues and grant dollars, a figure that continues to grow each year.
According to Americans for the Arts’ most recent Arts & Economic Prosperity study, the nonprofit arts sector in Colorado Springs generates $153.3 million in annual economic activity. This spending—$51.2 million by nonprofit arts & cultural organizations and an additional $102.1 million in event-related spending by their audiences—supports 5,070 full-time equivalent jobs, generates $100.8 million in household income to local residents, and delivers $15.9 million in local and state government revenue.
More than 65 art galleries and 30+ museums contribute to Colorado Springs being ranked No. 2 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Places to Live — the region’s fifth time ranking in the top six cities.
Colorado ranks number one in the percentage of residents who personally perform or create artworks, according to the National Endowment for the Arts’ Participation Study.
The Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC actively encourages top companies and talent to Discover Community & Culture in Colorado Springs.
Colorado Business Committee for the Arts presents statewide advocacy initiatives aimed at mobilizing grassroots and grass-tops support for legislative solutions to key needs in Colorado’s arts ecosystem.
Colorado Creative Industries, a program of the State of Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, promotes visual, performing, and literary arts as vital industries driving Colorado’s economy, growing jobs and enhancing our quality of life.
Why are the arts essential to healthy communities? Check out the Arts + Social Impact Explorer, presented by Americans for the Arts, to learn how the arts promote better outcomes for housing, veterans, economic development and more.