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Greeley Wins Official Creative District Designation

City of Greeley

Greeley now has an official creative district.

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade announced the certification of four new creative districts, including Greeley.  The designation means the creative districts will receive between $10,000 and $20,000 in state grant money, as well as access to state resources and prominent placement on Colorado websites.

"These 2014 certified and candidate creative districts are great examples of how the arts create exciting places for people to visit and live," said Governor John Hickenlooper in a press release. "These districts not only increase quality of life, they also help with economic vitality of the area and attract people from all over Colorado and the country."

Seven such state-recognized districts have been certified since the program launched in 2011. Some of the creative districts were years in the making. For instance, Salida’s artistic community was an organic outgrowth of its dwindling manufacturing base.

Credit City of Greeley
Lavender areas represent UNC. Sage - parks. Tan areas - Historic District.

As it stands, Greeley’s district encompasses the downtown area and its cultural and historic sites, galleries and history museum. The University of Northern Colorado, with its extensive visual and performing arts departments is also included.

A way-finding system has been designed to help visitors navigate the sizable district using their smart phones and access information like current and future art displays.

According to a press release, the newly certified districts will join “the seven Colorado Creative Districts: Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe, Pueblo Creative Corridor, Corazon de Trinidad, North Fork Valley Creative District, Ridgway Creative District, Salida Creative District and Telluride Arts District.”

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