FAQs
What is a “creative district” in Colorado?
A designation passed by legislation and awarded by the Colorado Creative Industries [CCI], a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development, to vetted districts. To be determined as a “creative district” an area must meet a number of defined characteristics, including but not limited to being a walkable, boundaried area with a mix of physical, artistic, and cultural resources as well as host to a variety of non-arts businesses and annual festivals each year. To date, there are 30 designated areas throughout the state.
How, specifically, does a certified CCI distinction benefit a particular City/area?
Colorado Creative District Programs assist new creative districts to create hubs and clusters of economic activity, promote a community’s unique identity, and enhance areas as appealing places to live, conduct business, and attract visitors. This is done through a partnership between CCI and The Boettcher Foundation via access to grant funding, tailored technical assistance, networking and training programs, and access to advocacy tools.
What are the boundaries of the Greeley Creative District?
We encompass Downtown Greeley and the neighborhoods surrounding the University of Northern Colorado [UNC]. These parameters stretch from Island Grove Regional Park to the North, the city limits of Garden City & Hwy 34 to the South, 23rd Avenue to the West, and 4th Avenue to the East.
When was the GCD certified, and how are you organized?
The Greeley Creative District became an emerging creative district in 2012 and was officially designated in 2014. We are a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization managed by a Board of (14) members, and (2) contract staff members who work in collaboration with the City of Greeley, Downtown Development Authority, the University of Northern Colorado, and both non-profit arts organizations and for-profit business sectors.
How is your board selected?
We aim to have a board that is diverse in artistic disciplines, areas of expertise, organizational ties, and racial/ethnic/gender identities. Representatives are nominated by individual board members, and then voted upon by the full board. Board members serve three year terms with the option to renew. Our board typically includes at least one representative from each of our three original partners- the City of Greeley, Downtown Development Authority, and University of Northern Colorado- as well as other working artists and creatives, local business owners, arts educators, leaders of non-profit organizations, museum and tourism professionals, and many others.
How is the GCD funded?
The Greeley Creative District is an all-volunteer board with one paid staff member. Organizational expenses and initiatives are funded primarily through GCD-hosted fundraising events, including the AgriCULTURE Feast, DoTell! Events, and other private donations.
How can the GCD help me?
We are dedicated to supporting local businesses, artists, and creatives by sharing your stories and offering opportunities to connect through:
Cacophony of Creatives–networking and educational meet ups with the community and professional development groups
Access to valuable statistics, data, mapping, available grants, upcoming events/calls for artists, and more on our websites
A chance to be part of the growing activity & buzz of Greeley–“Expect the Unexpected.”
How can I get involved?
There are many ways to get involved with supporting the work of the GCD and individual artists and businesses in our community. Here are a few:
Attend a GCD-hosted or sponsored event: AgriCULTURE Fest & Feast, DoTell!, Día de Los Muertos, the District 6 & Friends Arts Walk, quarterly Cacophony of Creatives meet ups, and many more!
Volunteer for GCD committee work. We welcome volunteers from outside of the board who are willing to serve on committees for marketing, event production, data collection, and other areas of focus. Have a skill you’d like to share? Send us an email.
Visit discovergreeleycreativedistrict.org for a comprehensive inventory of creative businesses, arts events, public art, and more happening in our District. Support creative through attending an event, buying a ticket, or purchasing artwork.