WHERE INSPIRATION FLOWS
WHERE INSPIRATION FLOWS
First Fridays – July 4, 2025
Join us for First Friday in July and experience Durango’s vibrant arts and culture scene. On the evening of July 4th, galleries, studios, shops, and restaurants throughout the Creative District will open their doors for a community-wide celebration of art, music, food, and local talent. Whether you're discovering a new artist, enjoying live music, or connecting with friends, First Friday is the perfect way to kick off your weekend.
Call for Volunteers: Public Art Recon Mission.
Help Us Map Durango's Creative Landscape.
Courtesy of Local News Network
We're assembling a team of art explorers to embark on a Public Art Recon Mission! Your mission, should you choose to accept it:
Locate and document murals, sculptures, installations, and other forms of public art around town.
Record exact locations, artist names (if available), descriptions, and snap a few photos
Identify NEW potential location for new artworks to exist.
Help us build a living, breathing map of Durango's public art for locals and visitors alike.
Whether you’re a seasoned art sleuth or just love a good walk with a purpose, we’d love your help!
📅 Flexible timeline – Join a planned meet up or scout on your own schedule
📍 Training + recon tools provided
Interested? email us at Hello@durangocreativedistrict.org with subject line: “Art Recon Volunteer”
Here’s how it works:
We’ll use Google Earth to “drop pins” for each public art location you find.
You’ll add the basic info — location, artist (if known), a short description, and a photo or two. All of this will help build a community-sourced Public Art Map that highlights the creativity in our streets and neighborhoods.
USE the color coded pin that corresponds to the artwork.
find the google earth map HERE
resource folder for volunteers HERE.
NEXT MEET-UPS:
Historic Downtown Public Art Recon Mission
Tuesday, June 17, 5:30-7:30pm
Meet-up point: Durango Creative District Headquarters & Community Gallery, 1135 Main Avenue
Santa Rita Park to Rivergate Park Public Art Recon Mission
Tuesday, June 24, 10am-12pm
Meet-up point: Santa Rita Park Playground
Sign up for a recon mission
Upcoming events.
LODGERS’ TAX: ARTS & CULTURE FUND
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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.
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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.
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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
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Additional Funding
Apply for an Artist Grant
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Lodgers’ Tax: Arts and Culture Fund
$5,000-$50,000
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Durango Creates! Grant
$5,000 & below
Incubator for Emerging Artists
The Durango Creative District’s Incubator Program for Emerging Artists mentors new and emerging artists, providing them with professional training and a space for their first solo or small group exhibition.