According to Colorado Creative Industries, the state agency dedicated to promoting the arts, a 2022 study by the National Endowment for the Arts found that “Colorado ranks number one in the percentage of residents who perform or create artworks.” A statewide report from CCI revealed that employment in Colorado’s creative industries grew by 25% between 2010 and 2019. The leading areas of employment in 2019 were music, dance, theater and visual arts; culinary arts; design and advertising; creative technology; and architecture and living spaces. In total, creative industries supported 191,248 jobs in the state, underscoring the significant economic value of the arts.
Here in Durango, the economic and cultural impact of the arts is undeniable – and it continues to grow. The Arts & Economic Prosperity studies by Americans for the Arts have tracked this progress. During the 2008-09 recession, 15 local nonprofit arts and cultural organizations generated $9.1 million in economic activity, supported over 300 full-time jobs, and returned $645,000 in revenue to state and local governments. By 2015, participation had expanded to 26 organizations, and those groups generated $18.1 million in economic activity and 602 full-time equivalent jobs. The value of arts volunteerism alone – over 100,000 donated hours – was estimated at $2.4 million.
The data is clear: Durango’s creative economy is a serious economic driver. But behind those numbers are the places and people who make it happen. One of the most visible and impactful hubs for this creative vitality is the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.
As a venue dedicated to presenting diverse performances – from world-class music and dance to local and regional talent – the Concert Hall enriches lives through culture and acts as an economic engine. It draws audiences who support restaurants, lodging and retail. It partners with nonprofits, schools and regional organizations. It also provides students, families and visitors opportunities to access the arts in our backyard.
Looking ahead, it’s important to recognize that Durango’s creative economy includes not just the nonprofit arts sector, but also the for-profit side – restaurants, craft brewers, writers, designers, media producers, galleries and more. These sectors are intertwined. A vibrant performance venue supports tourism. A bustling downtown supports artists. And a thriving arts scene supports the overall health of our community.
With the addition of the city of Durango’s Arts and Culture Fund – made possible by the lodgers tax on hotel stays – we now have even greater potential to invest in new projects and sustain the organizations that make Durango a creative hub. We are committed to being part of that vision at the Community Concert Hall. We invite you to experience the arts with us, support local culture and be part of something that entertains, uplifts, educates and connects.
To learn more about how the Community Concert Hall is helping shape Durango’s creative future – and to see our upcoming events – visit durangoconcerts.com.
Charles Leslie is the director of the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.
