Earlier this year, an Estes community task force and later a steering committee established the Estes Arts District, a Colorado non-profit organization. The Estes Arts District’s mission is to cultivate excitement, promote interaction, and create memorable experiences through creative endeavors for the betterment of the Estes Valley. Its vision seeks to enhance the town’s position as a lively and diverse arts destination, one that will drive economic growth, enrich the quality of life, and build upon the Estes Valley’s rich cultural heritage.

The Board faces a number of important challenges. Several are in the “high priority” category such as finalizing the drafted EAD by-laws and creating a strategic plan which will fund and sustain the district. In March 2016, the EAD will again apply for a Colorado Creative Arts designation. Estes Park just missed being selected to receive this designation two years ago. The EAD has completed additional requirements such as setting up a website and formalizing its structure and boundaries. Although the Colorado Creative Industries requires a creative arts district to be a “walk-able, neighborhood area” (please see district map at http://www.estesartsdistrict.org/district-map.html), the EAD’s goal is to unite all artists and art organizations in this mountain community including  those in Estes Park outlying, Allenspark, Glen Haven, Pinewood Springs, and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Additional EAD projects on the horizon are completing an artist and creative industry database, setting up an events calendar, organizing a downtown Art Trek, and providing “services” such as art and business education classes. To offer input on these and other EAD options, please complete the survey on their website:http://www.estesartsdistrict.org/provide-your-input.html.

There is much to do, and the newly elected EAD directors have rolled up their sleeves.