For Immediate Release: January 10, 2012 Elaine Mariner, Director, elaine.mariner@state.co.us Governor Hickenlooper to meet with Creative Industry Professionals in Montrose on January 14

DENVER (January 10, 2012). On Saturday, January 14 at 10:30 a.m., Governor Hickenlooper will meet with professionals working in the creative industries to hear about their plans for developing creative districts in several western slope communities. The meeting will take place at the Hampton Inn, San Juan Room, 1980 N. Townsend, Montrose. Interested artists and creative entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend.

In 2011, the General Assembly passed and the Governor signed legislation to encourage the formation of Creative Districts in communities, neighborhoods, or contiguous geographic areas. Creative Districts can be a tool to attract creative entrepreneurs and artists to a community, infusing new energy and innovation which in turn will enhance the economic and civic capital of the community. The Creative Industries Division of the state Office of Economic Development is charged with administering the program. Staff from the Creative Industries division will be available to answer questions following the Governor’s visit.

Agenda

10:30        Welcome by Elaine Mariner, Director, Colorado Creative Industries

10:35        Remarks by Governor Hickenlooper

10:40        Brief comments and questions for the Governor from western slope communities considering Creative Districts

11:00        Q & A with the staff of Colorado Creative Industries

11:30        Adjourn

About Colorado Creative Industries
Colorado is a magnet for creative enterprises and creative workers. Indeed, with almost 8,000 businesses and 186,000 jobs, the creative sector comprises the state’s 5th largest employment cluster. Colorado’s Creative Industries Division, within the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, was established in July 2010 to capitalize on the immense potential for our creative sector to drive economic growth in Colorado. The Division merges the former Colorado Council on the Arts, the Office of Film, Television and Media, and the state’s Art in Public Places program.