Creative West

History was recently made in Colorado. 🎨

The state has become the first in the nation to pass A-Corp (Artist Corporation) legislation—a meaningful step forward for artists and the creative economy.

This new framework gives artists real tools to protect their work, build sustainable creative businesses, and find strength in collective power. It's a recognition of something we've long believed: artists are essential to our communities and our economy.

As CBCA Deputy Director Meredith Badler put it:
"The A-Corp concept will provide a new blueprint for artists to better protect and leverage their creative work. It elevates the value of artists and their creative businesses and provides a framework for more collective power. The creative industries are a vital part of Colorado's economy, and we're excited to be first in the nation to pass this legislation."

Policy shapes what's possible for artists. Colorado is creating a new path—and we're proud to see it lead.

What could this mean for artists in your community? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Congratulations to the 21 organizations awarded the 2025-26 Access grant!

This initiative provides current Creative West grantees with funding to implement practical, impactful accommodations—such as ASL interpretation, assistive listening devices, and large-print materials. By taking these steps, arts spaces can foster deeper empathy, open dialogue, and broader community participation.

Discover the full list of awardees and learn more about their commitment to an accessible arts sector:http://www.wearecreativewest.org/meet-the-awardees-making-the-arts-more-accessible

Only 24 hours until our June Capacity Building webinar!

Designed for organizations, programs, or groups interested in strengthening how they evaluate and communicate their work, this session explores how to collect meaningful data with empathy, develop community-informed metrics, and translate outcomes into clear, authentic impact stories.

Will you join the conversation? Register here: https://wearecreativewest.org/2026-capacity-building-webinar-series

The 2026–2027 TourWest application is now open 🎉

If your organization brings live performances to your community — or has been looking for support to make it happen — this grant opportunity is for you!

TourWest is a competitive grant program, supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, that helps arts organizations across the Creative West region bring touring performers to their communities.

Application Deadline: June 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. MT

Apply today: https://ow.ly/U5OS50Z7IOj

Big things are on the horizon at Creative West!

Something exciting launches on June 23, 2026, to help you land your next big opportunity.

Follow us on social media, and stay tuned! ✨

Will we see you at our June Capacity Building Webinar: Program Evaluation & Impact Storytelling?

Measuring the true impact of our work is rarely a simple equation. It takes deep listening, transparency, and a willingness to navigate the complex realities of the communities we serve.

Our next capacity building webinar is designed for organizations, programs, or groups interested in strengthening how they evaluate and communicate their work.

Join us for this reflective conversation: https://wearecreativewest.org/2026-capacity-building-webinar-series

🌽🫘🥑🫛🫜La Milpa: ofreciendo un espacio de sanación en tiempos difíciles
Acompáñanos el 8 de junio en Summit Community Garden para La Milpa: Ceremonia de La Siembra

Juntxs nos reuniremos en comunidad para la ceremonia de La Milpa: Siembra de Semillas y Plantines en el jardín comunitario. Algunas plantas jóvenes y delicadas, o
“plantines,” deben sembrarse más tarde en la temporada.
Mientras sembramos las semillas de La Milpa (maíz, frijol y calabaza) junto con cultivos complementarios culturalmente relevantes, honramos las prácticas indígenas ancestrales y vivas de Mesoamérica y expresamos gratitud a la tierra. Este encuentro bilingüe ofrecerá una deliciosa comida tradicional.

Ven a sembrar, aprender y crecer con nosotrxs.
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🌽🫘🥑🫛🫜
La Milpa: Offering a Healing
Space in Challenging Times
Join us on June 8 at Summit Community Garden for La Milpa: Planting Ceremony.

Together, we will gather as a community for La Milpa Ceremony: Planting the Seeds and Starts in the Community Garden. Some delicate young plants, or “starts,” must be planted later in the season.
As we plant seeds for the La Milpa (corn, beans, and squash) alongside culturally relevant companion crops, we honor ancestral and living Indigenous practices from Mesoamerica and express gratitude to the land. This bilingual gathering will offer delicious traditional food.

Come plant, learn, and grow with us.