With less than a year’s experience as a Colorado Creative District, the Estes Arts District landed its first state-wide recognition when it was announced that the next Colorado Creative Industries Summit will be held here.
First announced locally during the recent Visit Estes Park board retreat, the 2028 conference was a primary topic of discussion at the first Estes Park Arts Advisory Council meeting on Thursday.
“This is an opportunity for all of you to help us develop this conference and participate in some way that we can highlight what we have to offer here in our community,” said Estes Arts District Co-chair Lars Sage.
Between 350 and 400 people are expected to attend the conference, according to Talia Siens, arts and culture program director. Siens supports VEP and the Estes Arts District through a shared position. She began her duties in April and, in May, applied for the district to host the conference.
“There’s a lot of opportunity for different activities that happen when those conferences come,” Siens said, suggesting concepts such as small theater or vocal performances, storytelling opportunities in various galleries, film opportunities, and specialized tours, including activities before or after the primary conference that would increase the time attendees are in Estes Park
No specific dates have been set yet for the two-day meeting, but the summit is expected to be held in May or early June 2028. A final determination about conference specifics is expected within the next few weeks following discussions with CCI, a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development.
Hosting the event is a “really cool opportunity we have to be elevating what we’re doing with arts and culture in this community,” Siens told Visit Estes Park attendees.
The Arts Advisory Council also discussed strengthening year-round partnerships among local arts organizations. Seins told Visit Estes Park representatives that the council is intended to coordinate collaboration among arts and cultural groups.
“We’re really trying to incorporate the cultural aspects of our community, and we’re hoping to include a few more, such as the Ukrainian community and hopefully the Nepalese community, so that we can enhance the concept of what kind of cultures we have here in this community,” Sage told those attending the Arts Advisory Council meeting.
Another initiative on tap for Estes Arts District is developing August as Arts and Culture Month in Estes Park.
Sage said having others plan arts-related events during the month would augment activities, including the Estes Park Arts Center’s plein air event, an art studio tour, and the Stanley Home Museum ‘s gala.
The inaugural AAC meeting drew representatives from across the local arts and cultural community, including Velina and Dave David, owners of Aspen and Evergreen Gallery; Paul Maley, music teacher at Estes Park Elementary School; Brianna Furnish of Ballet Renaissance; Derick Fortini of the Estes Park Museum; Mark Heller, executive director of the Colorado Educational and Cultural Facilities Authority; representatives of the Estes Chamber of Commerce; and several individuals affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Channel.
Quarterly meetings of the AAC are planned.
Good organization for Estes Park and its future. They need volunteers, support this worthy organization.
The Arts District also gives local and regional artists a venue to create and sell their work in a very prominent downtown location. The location is in the highest grossing retail block in the entire Town, directly adjacent to the top art gallery in Estes Park, Earthwood Collections (per 2025 Trail Gazette readers’ poll). Calling all local and regional artists, PLEASE WAKE UP, USE AND SUPPORT THIS GREAT RESOURCE. This is your organization that exists to support you and art of all forms in this community – it’s time to support it back and do more than enjoy great events that it sponsors, like the free Friends of Folk concert. It’s a good time to be involved!