The fourth year of the Lodgers’ Tax: Arts and Culture program is an exciting time for creatives in our community. Creative Industries are an economic driver, enhancing Durango for our residents and visitors. The Lodgers’ Tax: Arts and Culture funds have created an opportunity for funding creative projects, events, programs, and experiences supported right here in the Durango community.

2021 Election – Lodgers’ Tax Ballot Initiative

• In the April 2021 election, Durango voters approved an increase in the Lodgers’ Tax from 2% to 5.25%, an increase of 3.25%. The new revenue stream created by the 3.25% increase devoted 14% to Arts and Cultural Events, Programs and Facilities. Other areas supported by the new revenue stream include Sustainable Tourism Marketing and Transportation and Transit Services.

Two Years of the Lodgers’ Tax: Arts and Culture Program

• Since the program's inception in 2022, there have been in 109 projects partially and fully funded.

• $1.5 million in arts and culture funding was invested into the Durango community.

• The City of Durango’s per capita arts and culture spend has increased from $3 to $37.

• There have been a wide array of projects funded: theatre performances, murals, youth metalworking workshops, creative placemaking projects, facility updates and repairs, afterschool arts classes, museum exhibits and equipment, multimedia storytelling projects, art restoration, and sculptures among others.

2022

2023

2024

2025

Please note this is not a comprehensive list of eligible projects, all creative projects are considered.

• Public art

• Facility upgrades

• Capital projects

• Seed money for feasibility studies

• Artisan housing projects

• Financial support for grant writing

• Murals

• Performance art

• Indigenous art

• Creative placemaking

• Festivals

• Art education

• Artisan food projects

• Sculptures

• Creative upcycling

2025 // ROUND TWO