Joy Horvath Imel has accepted a part-time position as Mancos Creative District administrator.

Imel will be tasked with implementing the Creative District’s Strategic Plan, including projects that celebrate the arts, culture and history of the Mancos Valley, support local organizations with similar missions, and market businesses and creative opportunities in Mancos Valley. The newly created district will begin operating as part of Mancos Valley Resources, a local 501(c)3 organization.

Imel has experience in community and economic development in her prior work with national foundations. She will report to a seven-member Executive Board and a larger Advisory Committee composed of representatives from Mancos organizations, businesses and creative enterprises. Volunteers are needed to serve on both committees.

The Mancos Creative District was awarded one of six new designations as Certified Creative Districts last month through Colorado Creative Industries and The Boettcher Foundation. The newly certified districts are Breckenridge Arts District, Carbondale Creative District, Crested Butte Creative District, Fort Collins Creative District, Golden Triangle Creative District, and Mancos Creative District. The five-year certification provides start-up financial and fundraising support, technical assistance, advertising and marketing assistance, CDOT highway signs and leadership training.

The purpose of the program is to leverage the arts, culture and history of a community for economic and community development. For more information, visit www.mancoscreativedistrict.com.