For Immediate Release: February 10, 2010 Elaine Mariner, elaine.mariner@state.co.us, 303-892-3870 Governor’s Presentation of Arts Award to Highlight Arts Advocacy Day February 26 event celebrates role of arts and creative industries in Colorado

DENVER—(Feb 8, 2010) Arts Advocacy Day will be held on Friday, February 26, 2010, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Denver Art Museum and Colorado State Capitol. A new feature of the annual event will be Governor Bill Ritter’s announcement of the winner of the 2010 Governor’s Arts Award, presented to a Colorado town that exemplifies effective use of the arts to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of their community. The winning community was chosen by a panel convened by the Colorado Council on the Arts. The award consists of an original work of art created by a commissioned Colorado artist.

Organized by Arts for Colorado, the Center for Integrated Arts Education at UNC, the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts, and Think360 Arts, Arts Advocacy Day highlights the important role arts, culture and the creative industries play in Colorado’s economy, and provides an opportunity for advocates to meet with their state legislators. 

Arts Advocacy Day will begin with a program from 8:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. at the Denver Art Museum, North Building, Schlessman Hall, 100 W. 14th Avenue.  The morning session will provide detailed information about pending legislation, and will feature speakers on topics including arts education, public art, and the creative economy.

From 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon, arts and creative industries advocates will meet with their legislators at the Capitol. Citizens can find their state representatives and senators at www.votesmart.org, and are encouraged to contact them in advance of their visit.

The Governor’s Arts Award presentation will take place back at the Denver Art Museum from 12:15 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.  The award ceremony will highlight the thirteen nominated communities from around Colorado, with the winning community revealed and presented by the Governor with the prestigious award.  The nominated communities are: Arvada, Broomfield, Creede, Ft. Collins, Glenwood Springs, Golden, Lafayette, La Junta, Montrose, Nederland, Pueblo, Salida, and Telluride.

The event cost is $20 per person; $10 for students (includes breakfast and lunch) payable at the door. Check, credit card or cash accepted. RSVP by February 18 to Think360 Arts at 720-904-8890 x 103 or via email to meganw@think360arts.org.  A complete schedule for Arts Advocacy Day is available at
www.think360arts.org/events/arts-advocacy-day

The Colorado Council on the Arts is a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, with a mission to promote the cultural, educational, and economic growth of Colorado through development of its arts and cultural heritage.