Past Programming
Art Brigade
The Durango Art Brigade was a new temporary public art initiative that promotes Economic Recovery & Resilience, Community Partnerships, Activation of the Social Sphere and Intergenerational Engagement. The 2022 project was funded by the City of Durango's Creative Economy Commission, Durango Business Improvement District, La Plata County Airport, the Wells Group and Pediatric Associates of Durango.g
Read the Rocky Mountain PBS Article on the 2020 Durango Art Brigade project >>
Watch the PBS video feature on the 2020 Durango Art Brigade project >>
Photos courtesy of Scott DW Smith, Imagesmith Photo. Please credit photographer when re-posting.
2020 and 2021 Selected Projects
Empty Storefront
In November 2019, the Durango Creative District partnered up with the Durango Business Improvement District and the Creative Economy Commission to start the EMPTY STOREFRONT PROJECT. The ESP brought vibrant artwork from 6 selected artists to vacant storefronts in Durango for the winter season. The project was funded by the Creative Economy Commission.
Photos by Scott DW Smith, Imagesmith Photo.
2019 Selected Installations
Art Market
Sponsored by El Pomar Foundation, 1st Southwest Bank, and 1st Southwest Community Fund.
2021 Season
The Spark Series
During our stakeholder process, our community requested that the Durango Creative District organize informative/inspirational discussions and skill-building workshops with the creative community.
You asked and we listened. In February 2020, we hosted a series that highlighted local creative professionals from different industries, addresses topics that the creative community may have, and allows for open conversation. These events left us feeling inspired, informed and more connected with likeminded people!
PRESENTERS (from left to right): Eric Tomczak (Manufacturing), Katie Burford (Culinary Arts), Heather Freeman (Visual Arts and Education), Scott DW Smith (Visual Arts), and Jessica Perino (Performing Arts)
2020 Presentations
APRIL 16, 2020
Taking the Jump: Starting a Creative Business
PRESENTERS: Jesse Ogle (Music and Nonprofits), Sarah Douglas (Graphic Design), Bailey Barnes (Creative Coaching and Education), Max Fields and James Plate (Agriculture), and Elsa Jagniecki (Design and Events)
JUNE 18, 2020
Branding & Promotion
Wendolyne Omana (Healing Arts, Culture & Heritage), Alex Pullen (Web Development, Design & Photography), Bailey Parker (Artisan Products), and David Cahoon (Design & Education)
OCTOBER 8, 2020
Resources for Creative Entrepreneurs to Survive COVID-19
Presenters: Mary Shepherd and Hannah Birdsong from SW Colorado Small Business Development Center and Cassandra Walker Harvey from First Southwest Community Fund
NOVEMBER 12, 2020
Value Proposition: Pricing Your Work
Presenters: Laura Ritz (Writing and Editing), Brett Stallings (Graphic Design and Web Development), Cody Tinnin (Music and Performing Arts), Jackson Clark II (Gallery Curation and Sales) and Karyn Gabaldon (Visual Arts)
SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
Grain of Salt: Giving and Taking Feedback in Stride
Chef Safari (Culinary Arts), Stephen Sellers (Education & Performing Arts), Shan Wells (Visual Arts, Film & Media), Jeff Wise (Visual Arts) and Rachel Turiel (Literary & Publishing)