About Us

OUR MISSION:

To bring the arts to the community and the community to the arts by acting as a centralized resource for artists, arts organizations, and the general public. Arts Alive encourages economic development and works to make the arts in Fort Collins sustainable through awareness, promotion and collaboration of resources.

Arts Alive:

  • Builds awareness for the arts in Fort Collins
  • Provides support services for artists and arts groups
  • Encourages collaboration between organizations, individuals and businesses

    • Building awareness and financial support for the arts in Fort Collins . . .

    Arts Alive believes that artists' work is essential to the creative vitality of Fort Collins. We build awareness and support of the arts through sponsorships and active promotion of programs, projects, performances and exhibits. We work to deepen contributions made by those who already participate in the arts and broaden the participation of those who are inclined but not active in the arts.

    Arts Alive is a nonprofit (501c(3)) arts service organization. Our funding is currently provided by donations from individuals and corporations, through fundraising activities and by grants from local, state and national foundations.

    The business of art . . .

    Arts Alive believes that providing leaders of our local arts organizations with the right resources will increase their education, networking and ability to develop financial leverage. Individual assistance for artists and groups is also made available locally and through our website.

    Economic impact of the arts . . .

    Fort Collins was one of 156 communities that participated in the Americans for the Arts Economic Impact Survey, coordinated by Arts Alive.

    Nationally, America's nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $166 billion in economic activity every year - $63 billion in spending by arts organizations and an additional $103 billion in event-related spending by arts audiences. These figures are from the arts and economic prosperity report, The Economic Impact of Non-Profit Arts and Culture Organizations and Their Audiences, a nation-wide survey by Americans for the Arts in 2007.

    From major metropolitan areas to small rural towns, this research shows that the nonprofit arts are an economically sound investment. They attract audiences, spur business development, support jobs, and generate government revenue. Locally, as well as nationally, the arts mean business.

    Arts contribute significantly to the fabric of the Fort Collins community. More than 85 performance groups, organizations, and galleries provide a rich and stimulating menu of music, dance, theatre, literary and visual arts exhibits. The arts also make a significant economic contribution to the city. It's estimated that arts activities brought more than $15 million to the local economy last year!

    Current Arts Alive Projects:

    • Our Community Cultural Plan includes strategies for sustainable funding, accessible resources for our arts community and better visibility throughout our state. By working in conjunction with other local arts groups we have been strengthening our vision for a greater Fort Collins.
    • The Directory, Ticketing and Calendar Website at FCTIX.com helps locals and tourists access a centralized resource for artists, arts and cultural organizations. These online services provide a simple way to find out about and purchase tickets to events in Fort Collins.
    • A Partnership with the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs and CSU helps aspiring and established professionals connect with the right people and the wealth of statewide resources available at the annual Building Creative Businesses Expo.
    • Arts Alivewire is our informative and innovative quarterly newspaper. Our focus is on cultural, arts and entertainment news and events in the Fort Collins area, and features local artists, performance groups and exciting arts activities.
    • The Arts Alive Fellowship Award is given annually to five talented individuals in our community to help foster their creative endeavors.
    • Mosaic of the Arts honors a dedicated individual who has devoted over 20 years of their life to promoting and supporting the arts.
    • Garden Party for the Arts allows passionate supporters of the arts to come view a sampling of the many talented performance groups, poets and artists in Fort Collins.
    • First Friday Gallery Walk continues to grow and thrive as an evening to enjoy the quality artwork in the local galleries and to broaden the public's cultural experiences.
    • Bike-In Movie Night at New Belgium Brewery continues to serve as a great opportunity for fun family outings in our bike-friendly community.
    • Paint the Town highlights the plein air painters of northern Colorado as they create live artworks of our beautiful and historic Old Town Square during the summer.
    • Read On! Fort Collins, a community reading program, is now in its fourth year thanks to the sponsorship and support of Arts Alive.
    • Artsploration- A Children's Art and Creativity Fair allows our kids a chance to unleash their creative spirit and experiment in a wide variety of mediums.
    • Our Cultural Engagement Series broadens our knowledge of cultures from around the world and unites our community through art, dance, food and music.
    • An Art Show at the Poudre River Arts Center in April 2008 will highlight the artists who are inspired by our local waters and the Save the Poudre organization.
    • Fort Collins' Jazz Festival will debut in the summer of 2008 featuring the musical talents within our town and nationwide.
    • Fort Collins' Art Festival is slated for the summer of 2009- get ready to be inspired!

    Arts Alive is housed in the Poudre River Center for the Arts, located at 406 N.College Avenue in beautiful Old Town Fort Collins. Our organization is alive and well thanks to the cultural pioneers of our great town, generous donations by individuals and businesses, local and national grants, and the continued support of art-lovers like you. Thank you!