For Immediate Release: FORT COLLINS WINS GOVERNOR’S ARTS AWARD |
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DENVER. Tuesday, March 1, 2011 — The City of Fort Collins was honored at a ceremony at the Denver Art Museum today, as part of Creative Industries Day. The annual Governor’s Arts Award recognizes a Colorado town or city for their collective efforts to enhance their community and their economy through strategic use of the arts. Governor John Hickenlooper joined Mayor Doug Hutchinson in unveiling the award, which was an original oil painting by artist James Beckner of Denver.
A smaller original painting by Beckner was presented to Breckenridge Mayor John Warner.
In announcing the awards, Governor Hickenlooper noted “The arts weave the fabric of a community together, building cultural bridges and showing us new ways of thinking and seeing. The arts are also a key strategy to grow jobs and revitalize Colorado’s economy. It gives us great pleasure to honor these two communities.”
Colorado Creative Industries, a division of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, annually convenes a panel to review the nominations. In selecting Fort Collins as the recipient, the review panel cited the city’s detailed cultural plan, which reflects strong community involvement and support. They were impressed with Fort Collins’ commitment to public art and their efforts to develop young artists and creative entrepreneurs. The panel admired Beet Street, saying it is an interesting new public/private model for a local arts council, and one that other towns and cities might emulate.
Although the Governor’s Award typically honors a single town or city, the review panel felt strongly that an Honorable Mention award was important to acknowledge Breckenridge’s strong commitment to the arts and cultural heritage. The other nominated cities were Alamosa, Black Hawk, Brighton, Crested Butte, Delta, Fort Morgan, Lafayette, Lone Tree, Mancos, Montrose, Ouray, Parker, and Salida.
The awards were two original oil paintings by artist James Beckner of Denver. The artworks will hang in public locations in the respective cities. A third painting by Beckner will hang in the lobby of the Governor’s Office in the state capitol. In commissioning James, the selection jury noted James’ expressive brush strokes and felt his work was lively and full of movement. They also appreciated his wonderful use of color and engaging scene composition.
The Colorado Creative Industries division of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade combines state funds with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts to promote, support and expand the creative industries to drive Colorado’s economy, grow jobs, and enhance our quality of life.
Photos available upon request.
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