Aurora Cultural Arts District

A nonprofit organization

$2,481 raised by 35 donors

8% complete

$30,000 Goal

Through accountable public action and investment, we are determined to grow quality jobs and increase entrepreneurship, ownership, and wealth within the district. We work with local businesses and artists to create free art classes, public art opportunities, free or reduced activities for residence.

Testimonials

"ACAD has been an amazing support to me and other Latin artist in the greater Denver area. They invited me to show my work at the start of the year in a private exhibition and were able to sell everything I had. It was an amazing support during this difficult year and helped boost my morale as an artist. It means the world when you are an independent artist to know you have people on your side rooting for you and thinking about you when opportunities arise. Since then I've also been approached by the ACAD to live paint at community events. They really make a difference in artists lives and deserve to be recognized for their important work in the community. My experience with them has never been anything but professional and encouraging. I look forward to continuing my work with ACAD in the future. Sincerely, -Sofia Ramirez"
"To Whom It May Concern, I'm name is Thomas Evans and I am a Colorado based artist working in the area for 16 years, I would like to express my endorsement for the inclusion of Aurora Cultural Arts District (ACAD) as a Colorado Creative District. The Aurora Cultural Arts District has worked to foster and support visual artists like myself. I was fortunate enough to take part in one of their street art event, Colfax Canvas. Colfax Canvas brought together many artists from around Colorado and was a very beneficial opportunity for my art career. It's wonderful to be able to access a community of diverse artists. The Aurora Cultural Arts District truly allows artists to celebrate what makes us unique. The official designation will provide further growth and opportunities for the arts in Aurora as well as enhance the overall quality of life for our businesses, residents, and visitors. Sincerely, Thomas Evan"
"To Whom It May Concern,
I am Spencer Eudaly, a visual artist who had a residency and solo exhibition at the ACAD. I have had multiple gallery exhibits, group exhibits, and one other solo exhibition and the staff at the ACAD stands out in my mind as one of my favorite staffs I have had the pleasure to work with. The Aurora Cultural Arts District is a beacon of artistic vibrancy in the Aurora area. The staff works to ensure that there are a variety of artistic expressions accommodated within the space. The mixture of visual artists, theatre artists and performing artists brings an energy to the space that is unique to the ACAD. In March and April of 2021, I created an immersive art experience at 1400 Dallas Street, taking over almost all of the ground level. I was given total artistic freedom and two months to complete my vision. The accommodation of the ACAD staff to my artistic practice is a testament to the degree to which they are committed to bringing art and culture to East Colfax. Sincerely, Spencer Eudaly"

Mission

The Aurora Cultural Arts Districtʼs mission is to encourage artistic and cultural creativity through advocacy, promoting programs and activities, supporting our multicultural urban communities, and providing opportunities for diverse expression.

Background Statement

ACAD was founded in 2009 and formalized as a 501(c)(3) in 2010. Our own Aurora Fox theater sparked the development of East Colfax in Aurora, Colorado, after WWII. ACAD is the original Aurora and now home to over 100 spoken languages. We are the most culturally diverse community in the state of Colorado. ACAD is most interested in revitalization in our district in partnership with historical and cultural preservation. In western society, multicultural pockets are often stereotyped and overtly stigmatized. The Aurora Cultural Arts District is a vibrant and walkable community which is home to a diverse group of creative individuals and enterprises. World-class performance venues, arts education nonprofits, arts galleries and studios thrive as an integral part of a rich neighborhood fabric which includes multicultural restaurants and locally-owned small businesses.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Aurora Cultural Arts District

other names

Aurora Cultural Arts District, ACAD

Year Established

2012

Tax id (EIN)

27-2296673

Category

Arts, Culture & Humanities

Organization Size

Small Organization

Address

10201 E Colfax Ave
Aurora, CO 80010

Headquarters

10201 E Colfax Ave
Aurora, CO 80010

Service areas

Arapahoe County, CO, US

Phone

3037476917

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