This Friday, November 6, is the kick-off of Denver Arts Week (www.denverartsweek.org) organized by VISIT DENVER (Convention & Visitors Bureau) and support is also provided by the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs and SCFD (see below). November 6 is also our last 50 for Colorado session of the year-Arts and Entertainment (impeccable timing!).
There has been a long-held perception that cultural institutions are ivory towers and only people that have a lot of money can support them. That is simply untrue. There are numerous organizations that have a mission of making culture accessible to everyone.
For example, the Denver Metro Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD - www.scfd.org) has done a lot over the past 20 years to provide general operating support to more than 350 organizations and granted approximately $42 million in 2008 from the .1% sales and use tax (1 penny on $10) in the Denver Metro Area. As part of SCFD funding, all Tier 1 institutions provide free days/ performances. The Denver Art Museum, Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Center for Performing Arts, Denver Museum of Nature & Science and the Denver Zoo are all considered Tier 1 as identified in SCFD's statute.
Besides the SCFD free days, there are a lot of other ways to enjoy culture at a low price point or even better-free! Go on a gallery walk (usually First Fridays of each month), check out public art, attend a performance/visit an exhibition at a university/college, visit your local library or bookstores, and/or volunteer. Volunteering (especially on a board) adds a lot to your own professional development and builds leadership skills while helping out organizations that have very limited resources.
Please check out part 2 (coming soon) on economic impact and more importantly - add some culture to your life!
-Heather
