EVERGREEN — In its efforts aimed at being named an official Colorado Creative District, Evergreen’s challenge is to integrate its vibrant arts community that extends well beyond its quaint downtown main street.
“When we were concentrating on a physical walking district, it became clear to us that so many of our creative activities are throughout the Evergreen area, and we wanted to make sure everyone is included,” said Linda Castle, who now coordinates the district effort.
To that end, the Evergreen Downtown Business Association — which won the competitive process to become a creative district candidate — and the Evergreen Creative District Advisory Committee is inviting the local creative community to a meet-and-greet April 14. The goal is to bring to provide feedback and learn how they can be a part of the district.
The committee is looking for representatives of all creative industries, from culinary businesses and signmakers to musicians and artists who live or work in the area. The area’s history museums and music venues also will be involved.
“The goal is to tell them about where we are now and listen and hear from them what they envision,” Castle said. “We really want their input to develop this because we can’t do it without them.”
Colorado Creative Districts are named by Colorado Creative Industries, a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, to support the arts, creative entrepreneurship and innovation in communities, and, in turn, spur economic growth.
, which began a two-year incubation period that includes funding and professional assistance in developing a strategic plan, branding and marketing. Colorado Creative Industries will consider the sustainability of that plan when deciding whether to name it an official district. The official designation comes with more funding and statewide promotion.
Marcie Erion is the Colorado Creative Industries district consultant for Evergreen and said that as long as there is a walkable anchor for the district — like downtown Evergreen — the community included in the strategic plan should extend beyond that physical area.
“In the case of Evergreen, they are working very collaboratively, which is one of the very important parts of the district,” she said.
That is not a new idea to the Evergreen artists’ community, said Steve Sumner, who sits on the district advisory committee and is director of Center for the Arts Evergreen, a few miles from downtown by way of Colorado 74.
Years ago, his and the area’s other visual and performing arts organizations formed the , an annual 10-day showcase of events. The alliance started with goals very similar to that of a creative district. He looks forward to how the two groups can now dovetail their efforts.
“We’ll discuss more on how we will be able to collaborate together. The alliance has its own website, its own arts calendar,” he said. “Certainly there’s some way the district will be able to use all we have been able to do.”
Josie Klemaier: 303-954-2465, jklemaier@denverpost.com or twitter.com/JosieKlemaier
Evergreen creative district meeting
What: Open to all persons working in a creative industry
When:6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday
Where:Center Stage, 27608 Fireweed Drive, Evergreen
More information: 303-670-9207
RSVP: evergreenartists.org
