The
Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade has launched an initiative to provide affordable housing and work space for artists and arts organizations that will position Colorado as the nation's leader in artist-led community transformation.
Minneapolis-based
Artspace will act as a consultant to Space to Create, Colorado, which will develop nine projects in eight regions in the state's rural, small-town and mountain communities over the next eight years. Each project will be customized to meet community needs for workforce housing and commercial space for artists and creative entrepreneurs. The first project will be in Trinidad. After that, the regions will be prioritized based on readiness, public will, commitment of local resources and housing demands.
"Housing and economic development are vital needs in rural Colorado, and the Space to Create initiative advances both of these issues by harnessing the power of the public, private and philanthropic sectors, as well as the creative community, to activate historic spaces and elevate rural economies," Gov. John Hickenlooper says.
Artspace has more than 35 projects in operation across the country and another dozen in development, including Artspace Loveland, which has 30 occupied units of housing for artists and their families.
“Artspace has an incredible track record for successful community-driven projects across the United States, and we are excited to partner with them on Space to Create, Colorado,” says Margaret Hunt, director of the economic development office's
Colorado Creative Industries arm.
Contact Confluence Denver Development News Editor Margaret Jackson with tips and leads for future stories at margaret@confluence-denver.com.
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