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Denver-(April 21, 2008) Colorado Citizens for Culture (CCC), an affiliate of Arts for Colorado, the state-wide arts advocacy organization, announces that eight communities have been selected to participate in the Collaborative Community Planning Program, an innovative project designed to help communities across Colorado integrate arts and culture into long-term community planning. The eight selected communities include: Aurora, Colorado Springs, Cortez, Englewood, Glenwood Springs, Lakewood, Monte Vista and Steamboat Springs.
The eight communities were selected from a group of 13 for their geographic diversity as well as for their unique perspectives they will bring to the program. Each community has assembled a five-member team to participate in this year-long program. Teams consisting of an elected official, a business person, an arts administrator, an artist and an educator will come to Denver in June to participate in the National Performing Arts Convention (NPAC) June 10-14, 2008, which will serve as the program's launching point. After attending special sessions they will then engage in a year-long process to produce a cultural vision for each of their communities by 2028. This effort will assure that local cultural and artistic resources are thoughtfully woven into community planning, and used to enhance each community's long-term quality of life, education, tourism, and economic development.
The CCPP is designed to stimulate a strong sense that the arts can be a factor in enhanced community vitality and economic potential; expand the skills of collaborative thinking and planning.
The process will also enhance awareness of the value of inclusive and broad-based planning and develop new community leadership. Upon completion of the yearlong program, the eight communities will assemble in June, 2009 to present their community plans and share feedback and best practices.
The CCPP program has been generously sponsored by Premier Program Sponsor Pinnacol Assurance. Additional financial support has been provided by the Colorado Council on the Arts and the Boettcher Foundation.