HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Town Board Study Session 2023-12-12December 12, 2023
4:00 p.m. – 5:10 p.m.
Board Room
5:15 p.m. Dinner
ACCESSING MEETING TRANSLATIONS
(Accediendo a las Traducciones de la Reunión)
To access written translation during the meeting, please scan the QR Code or click
this link for up to 48 other languages (Para acceder a la traducción durante la
reunión, par favor escanee el código QR o haga clic en el enlace para hasta 48
idiomas más):
https://attend.wordly.ai/join/FLUL-1105
Choose Language and Click Attend (Seleccione su lenguaje y haga clic en asistir)
Use a headset on your phone for audio or read the transcript can assist those
having difficulty hearing (Use un auricular en su teléfono para audio o lea la
transcripción puede ayudar a aquellos que tienen dificultades para escuchar).
No public comment will be heard
This study session will be streamed live and available on the
Town YouTube page at www.estes.org/videos
4:00 p.m. Encore Arts Update.
(Director Hinkle)
4:30 p.m. Draft Arts Master Plan.
(Estes Arts District President Akin and Executive Director Miles)
4:50 p.m. Racial Covenants Research and Ordinance.
(Town Attorney Kramer)
5:00 p.m. Trustee & Administrator Comments & Questions.
5:05 p.m. Future Study Session Agenda Items.
(Board Discussion)
5:10 p.m. Adjourn for Town Board Meeting.
Informal discussion among Trustees concerning agenda items or other Town matters may occur before this
meeting at approximately 3:45 p.m.
Town Board Study Session for December 26, 2023 Has Been Cancelled.
AGENDA
TOWN BOARD
STUDY SESSION
Page 1
*Editors Note: The Draft Master Plan and Racial Covenants Research
and Ordinance were continued to a date uncertain.*
Page 2
EVENTS & VISITOR
SERVICES Report
To: Honorable Mayor Koenig
Board of Trustees
Through: Town Administrator Machalek
From: Robert Hinkle, Events & Visitor Services Director
Date: December 12, 2023
RE: Encore Arts Update
Purpose of Study Session Item:
Present an update on the Encore! proposal and the associated Stanley Park Master
Plan update.
Town Board Direction Requested:
•Is the Town Board comfortable with the Fine Arts Guild’s financial assumptions
and income projections?
•Is the Town Board comfortable with the Stanley Park Master Plan update moving
into the community outreach stage?
•Is there other information the Town Board needs in order to consider continuing
to evaluate this project?
Present Situation:
Staff has begun the Stanley Park Complex Master Plan Update with Design Concepts
to look at the possibility of the construction of a Performing Arts Center on the Stanley
Park Fairgrounds property. We have completed the initial information gathering process
with the stakeholders. Before moving on to the community outreach phase, we would
like the Board to review the Fine Arts Guild’s assumptions, projections and plan for the
potential use of space on Stanley Park.
Proposal:
The Fine Arts Guild would like to build Encore!, a Performing Arts Center, on the
Stanley Park Fairgrounds property. This project would take up a significant portion of
land in Stanley Park and require the relocation of many existing facilities. The project
would also need to include the addition of a new entrance off the roundabout at
Community Drive and Highway 36.
Page 3
Advantages:
• The successful completion of Encore! would bring a new attraction and asset to
the community that would serve the arts community and the general public.
Disadvantages:
• There is risk for the Town if the project is built and cannot sustain itself
operationally by meeting the assumptions and projections.
• The Town or project would need to incur the additional expense of relocating our
current facilities.
• The opportunity cost of the land that can currently be utilized for our larger horse
shows and rodeos.
Finance/Resource Impact:
None at this time.
Level of Public Interest
Medium
Attachments:
1. Encore Presentation
Page 4
12/8/2023
1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2
ENCORE! Is hopes and dreams.
ENCORE! Is what the arts community has been asking for!
ENCORE! Is the nexus where the community can connect to the arts and the arts connect with the
community!
ENCORE! Is two theaters; one big and one small, gallery space, classrooms, and meeting spaces.
Inner Sanctum invites visitors to immerse themselves in new worlds and actively participate in them!
Inner Sanctum brings cutting edge experiential art to our community.
Inner Sanctum provides the life force that makes this arts center a sound investment for Estes Park,
its residents and visitors alike.
1
2
Page 5
ATTACHMENT 1
12/8/2023
2
Cabaret
Theatre
Main
Theatre
Common
Lobby
Gallery Special
Exhibit
Gallery
Immersive
Arts
Immersive Arts
3
4
Page 6
12/8/2023
3
5
6
Page 7
12/8/2023
4
1. The Town of Estes Park will grant a long-term $1 per year Land Lease to the Fine Arts Guild of the
Rockies.
2. Construction funds can be raised, partially because you have embraced our plan and support it.
3. A combination of funding mechanisms will be used to finance construction: private donations, public
contributions, crowd-sourcing, investment backing, naming rights and traditional financing providers.
4. Inner Sanctum will provide on-goingoperations funding for the center.
5. The Estes Arts District will continueto be a supporter.
8
ASSUMPTIONS
7
8
Page 8
12/8/2023
5
Funding
●Initial construction is estimated to be about $15 million, although more accurate projections will be
developed upon confirmation of land acquisition and final architectural design.
●Beyond construction, an additional $3-5 million is projected to pay costs of detailed architectural
renderings, engineering, permits, salaries for a project manager and administrative assistant and a
year of operational costs before self-generating funds from Inner Sanctum are realized. A total $18-20
million initial fund is anticipated.
9
ASSUMPTIONS
Inner Sanctum
●Ongoing operations of the full cost of operating ENCORE! are based on the Santa Fe Meow Wolf model
of actual income and expenses.
●Santa Fe estimates that 3 million visitors provided a base population for the 400,000 individuals who
paid admission fees in 2017, the first year of operations. Estes Park has a visitor base of at least 8.5
million.
●Initial admission fees to “House of Eternal Return” in Santa Fe were $17 per ticket which generated
$6.8 million in revenues. Estimated admission to ENCORE! Inner Sanctum will be $30 during the slow
season, and $35 during Estes Park’s primary visitation period.
●Santa Fe’s EBITDA in the first year was $1.7 million.
10
ASSUMPTIONS
9
10
Page 9
12/8/2023
6
11
INCOME PROJECTION
Model:
Meow Wolf! Santa Fe, NM
Reported Patronage Universe/Income
City Visitors 1.5 million
Two hour drive 1.5million
1st Year Attendance 400,000
(~27% of visitor universe)
Revenue ($17 per patron)$6.8 million
Inner Sanctum Income: financial engine
for ENCORE!
Patronage Universe
Estes Park year-round & part-time residents 20,000
Rocky Mountain National Park Visitors 4.5 million
Denver Metro Area Population 3.2 million
(Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield City & County,
Denver City & County, Douglas and Jefferson County)
Larimer & Weld County Population 729,000
Total Patronage Universe Potential 8.449 million
Inner Sanctum Income Projection #1
Attendance 400,000
(~27% of patronage universe)
Ticketed Income $9.027 million*
Inner Sanctum Income Projection #2
Attendance 200,000
(~13% of patronage universe)
Ticketed Income $6.7 million*
*Ticketed income is based on seasonal admission prices: $30 in cold weather months
and $35 during the high vacation summer months; 310 days per annum
vs
12
INCOME/COST PROJECTION
Initial Budget Projections
Projection #1
Ticketed Income $9.027 million
Projected Expenses
Payroll ENCORE! and Inner Sanctum $3 million
Operating Expenses $ 2.5 million
(utilities, insurance, snow removal, marketing, maintenance, debt service, technology, accounting and legal services.
Contingency/Profit $3.527 million
Projected Income #2
Ticketed Income $6.7 million*
Projected Expenses
Payroll ENCORE! and Inner Sanctum $3 million
Operating Expenses $2.5 million
(utilities, insurance, snow removal, marketing, maintenance, debt service, technology, accounting and legal services.
Contingency/Profit $1.2 million
11
12
Page 10
12/8/2023
7
13
Building Use
In addition to Inner Sanctum Attendance & Ticket Sales, ENCORE! uses (not included in any budget figures) could include
Ballet Renaissance League of Women Voters
Oratorio Society Rocky Mountain Conservancy
Eagle Rock School Rocky Ridge Music Center
Estes Chamber of Commerce Scottish-Irish Highland Festival
Estes Park Chorale Event Center Spill-Over (conferences & performances)
Rotary Club of Estes Park Snowy Grass
Sunrise Rotary Club of Estes Park Frozen Dead Guys
Estes Valley Land Trust Quota Club Festival of Trees
Fiber Arts Council of Estes Park Kiwanis Club of Estes Park
Note: No listed group has provided any commitment to use ENCORE! for any of their events. The listing merely
illuminates potential interest for a myriad of uses.
Questions?
14
13
14
Page 11
Page 12
ESTES PARK
ARTS MASTER PLAN
DRAFT
PRESENTATION PROVIDED TO STAFF 2023-12-12
Art serves as a direct expression of the values of a community, fostering heightened awareness among both residents
and visitors. Recognizing the profound impact that the arts have on both the spirit of the community and its economic
vitality, we are proud to introduce the Estes Park Arts Master Plan—a roadmap that seeks to harness and amplify the
transformative power of artistic expression.
Art plays a pivotal role in enhancing the experiences of both residents and visitors in our community, but there is
considerable potential for further development. With the implementation of this Master Plan, we aim to seamlessly
integrate art into the very fabric of our town's identity. This plan is a collaborative effort amongst various
organizations as well as individual artists across town with the understanding that responsibility for
implementation is shared.
Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Estes Park lies a community
rich in natural beauty and vibrant culture. The outdoors has long served as
a powerful source of inspiration for artists across various disciplines.
Creativity in Estes Park cuts across artistic disciplines and industries to form
a broader, “creative economy.” This economy stretches from the musicians,
artists, dancers, filmmakers, and others who create the paintings, films, and
performances we enjoy to the designers, chefs, curators and others who
work in the arts.
Cultivating
Creativity:
The Estes Park
Arts Master Plan
For this plan, the definition of creative industries is
drawn from the Colorado Office of Economic
Development and International Trade. The creative
industries include nonprofit, for-profit and independent
self-employed creatives. Specifically, the industries
typically include design, film and media, heritage,
literary and publishing, performing arts, and visual
arts and crafts. Best practice also includes local
definitions and for this plan we include culinary arts
and brewing. “Artist” and “creatives” are utilized
throughout the plan to represent all people working in
the creative industries and creative economy.
Defining a
Creative Industry
Art is Integral to
Our History
Long drawn to its beautiful mountain landscape, highly
creative people have found Estes Park to be a special place
of retreat, personal growth, and renewal.
In the early 1900s, the town experienced a convergence of
artistic pursuits and technological innovation. F.O. Stanley,
the founder of The Stanley Hotel, not only constructed
concert-quality violins but also invented the Stanley Steamer
and financed the development of dry-plate photography—a
precursor to motion picture film. To mark the opening of the
Stanley Hotel in 1909, F.O. Stanley gifted his wife Flora a
grand piano, which she played often and is integral to the
Stanley Hotel’s aesthetic to this day. This gesture set the
stage for a longstanding tradition of bringing great music to
the Rockies. In 1942, pianist Beth Miller Harrod founded
Rocky Ridge, one of the oldest summer music programs in
the country, which still thrives to this day, ensuring that
Estes Park's musical heritage continues to flourish.
Long before the era of social media and mass advertising, Estes Park's allure spread through the
works of artists, writers, and photographers. The Hudson River School artist Albert Bierstadt,
invited by the Earl of Dunraven in 1877, painted the region, sparking a tradition that would be
embraced by subsequent artists like Thomas Moran and R.H. Tallant. Estes Park's reputation as
an artists' community solidified with Tallant's decision to make it his home in 1898, paving the
way for others like Charles Partridge Adams, Sven Birgen Sandzén, and David Stirling.
The town's first wave of publicity came from painters, writers like Isabella
Bird, and photographers such as William Henry Jackson. Their depictions
conveyed the intangible essence of Estes Park—the crisp mountain air, the
rustling aspen leaves—that couldn't be captured with an image alone.
Over its first 50 years of incorporation, Estes Park continued attracting nationally known artists
like Lyman Byxbe, John Kirsch, Herb Thompson, and Alfred Wands. Today, a new generation of
fine artists and photographers calls Estes Park home, carrying on the tradition of showcasing the
area's beauty to the world. Iconic bands like Devotchka come back to play at the Stanley Hotel
year after year, which can be attributed to their adoration for Estes Park.
The history of art in Estes Park is not just a journey through time but a testament to the enduring
spirit of creativity and inspiration the town continues to offer. The legacy of its artistic pioneers
echoes through the works of contemporary artists, ensuring that Estes Park remains a thriving
canvas where nature and creativity converge harmoniously.
The Original
Marketing Tool
for Estes Park
9+ Annual Art-Driven Events
15+ Venues
14 Art Organizations
15 Galleries
7 Maker Spaces
Plein Air, Art Market (Memorial Day weekend),
Gypsy Jazz Festival (during a need period in
August), Friends of Folk Festival, Arts & Crafts
Festivals, Wool Market, Snowygrass,
Midsummer Festival, Handmade in Colorado
Art show
(includes performance venues and businesses that host recurring live music)
Performance Park, Bond Park, Historic Park Theatre, Estes
Park Marina, Stanley Live, The Barrel, the Rock Inn Tavern,
Avant Garde Aleworks, The Wheel, Lonigans, Lumpy Ridge
Brewing, The Bull Pin, American Legion, Full Throttle,
Coffee on the Rocks, Cousin Pat’s Pub & Grill, George Hix
Riverside Plaza, Snowy Peaks Winery and more!
Chase the Music, Rocky Ridge Music Center, Estes
Arts District, Fine Arts Guild, Ballet Renaissance of
Estes Park, Fiber Arts Council, Estes Park Chorale,
Oratorio Society of Estes Park, Old Gallery, Young
Artists and Scholars Group, ACE of Fiber, the Village
Band, Jazz Big Band, Art Studio Tour
Art Center, Aspen & Evergreen, Alpenglow Images &
Accents, Earthwood Artisans, Earthwood Collections,
Images of RMNP, Patterson Glassworks, The Studio Fine
Art & Framing, Wild Spirits Gallery, Mystic Mountain
Gallery & Gifts, Wynbrier Wildlife Gallery, Omnibus, the
Old Gallery, Mountain Blown Glass, Inspired
Seed & Sage, The Estes Valley
Library, Art Center, Bear & Bee,
Inspired, Creativity Cabin, Peak to
Peak Stitching
Current
Art
Community
A Creative Industry is Great for Talent Retention & Attraction
A Direct Economic Impact
Art Drives Commerce Through “Sticky” Places
Art Nurtures a Sense of Belonging & Pride
Creative Sectors have Positive Impacts on other Sectors
The Impacts of Art:
A Direct
Economic Impact
“Arts and cultural production make up 3.9% of the GDP in
Colorado and that’s more than mining or transportation,”
Christy Costello, interim director for Colorado Creative
Industries told the Daily Yonder. “It’s a big, big contributor to
the economy and we need to recognize that and continue to
invest in arts and culture.”
Value Added to Colorado Economy in 2021
BE 3.L: Work with partners to increase the visibility and
accessibility of arts and culture as a means of diversifying resident
engagement and participation.
BE 3.3 The Town invests in physical improvements to the built
environment and placemaking in Downtown commercial areas to
facilitate high quality redevelopment, pedestrian movement,
public art and areas for relaxing, gathering and shopping”
BE 3.1 Encourage redeveloping commercial centers to create a
vibrant public realm through gathering spaces, placemaking
features and focal elements such as outdoor dining and public art”
“The built environment is perhaps the most significant contributor
to, or detractor from, a community’s sense of place. Estes Park’s
distinct identity has evolved into its current form because of the
Valley’s extraordinary physical landscape, rich history and
community contributions. Together, theses elements influence
the development of the built environment which impacts nearly
every aspect of daily life...
We believe this
Master Plan fulfills
key strategies in the
Town of Estes Park’s
most recent
Comprehensive Plan
as referenced here:
Greeley Arts District presented to us about their process for creating an Arts
Master Plan
We analyzed several Arts Master Plans from surrounding communities and
modeled ours after their relevant pieces
Held an initial brainstorming gathering at Avant Garde Aleworks
Distributed a community survey that helped us gather input on who was
interested in assisting us in this process
Gathered input as a group or through one one-on-ones from: Earthwood
Galleries, The Art Center, Fine Arts Guild, the Estes Valley Library, Avant Garde
Aleworks, individual musicians and artists, The Estes Park Museum, Bear & Bee,
the Parks Department and more
We are continuing to meet one-on-one with key stakeholders in the community
The conversations we have had with people have shown us the
incredible potential Estes Park has for investing in the arts.
Community Collaboration
COLLABORATION
1 2 3
Build a thriving creative
ecosystem in Estes Park
that maximizes the benefits
of collaboration among
artists, cultural
organizations, businesses,
and the community at large.
SPACES
Expand and support a
multifaceted and inclusive
arts environment in Estes
Park that emphasizes the
growth and accessibility of
public art, performing arts,
and art events.
Explore and support the
creation of new sustainable
funding sources to cultivate
a vibrant and healthy
creative sector.
A SUSTAINED &
THRIVING SECTOR
GOALS
COLLABORATION: Build a thriving creative ecosystem in Estes Park that maximizes
the benefits of collaboration among artists, cultural organizations, businesses, and
the community at large.
Strategy A: Support local creatives, enabling them to produce high-quality work, and contribute to the
cultural vitality of the community.
Tactics:
Maintain a comprehensive online directory or resource guide
that lists available resources, networking events and
business opportunities for creatives in Estes Park.
Maintain a robust scholarship program for emerging and
established artists.
Create an artist spotlight program on various marketing
channels to highlight the range of talent Estes Park artists
offer and to give emerging artists more representation.
Advocate for the enhancement of affordable
studio/workspace.
Empower artist initiatives in existing collaboration hubs.
COLLABORATION: Build a thriving creative ecosystem in Estes Park that maximizes
the benefits of collaboration among artists, cultural organizations, businesses, and
the community at large.
Strategy B: Strengthen partnerships and cross-sector collaboration to ensure a holistic approach to the
arts’ role in Estes Park’s growth.
Tactics:
Utilize relationships with the Estes Park
Chamber of Commerce and the Town Clerk’s
office to identify businesses receptive to the
arts and connect them with the appropriate
creatives.
Provide Visit Estes Park and the Estes Park
Visitor Center with content promoting the arts
community to guests.
Connect regularly with Estes Park art nonprofits
and organizations to share ideas, discuss
challenges and plan collaborative projects.
SPACES: Expand and support a multifaceted and inclusive arts environment in Estes
Park that emphasizes the growth and accessibility of public art, performing arts, and
art events.
Strategy A: Develop a diverse art collection that creates a sense of place, provides a unique town
identity, offers educational opportunities, and serves as an economic driver.
Tactics:
Maintain and elevate the Art in Public Places program.
Encourage other organizations to adopt an Art in
Public Places policy.
Explore the expansion of resources to include more
investment for maintenance, preservation, restoration
and replacement of public art.
Promote artful design and inclusion of public art in all
town infrastructure development.
Ensure that art spaces are ADA-compliant and
welcoming to all abilities and identities.
SPACES: Expand and support a multifaceted and inclusive arts environment in Estes
Park that emphasizes the growth and accessibility of public art, performing arts, and
art events.
Tactics:
Explore the development of a designated space to
present an array of performances in theater, dance,
music and visual arts.
Implement programs that offer students in nearby
schools meaningful, hands-on experiences in the arts.
Maximize the use of existing venues around town like
Performance Park.
Strategy B: Enhance the community through supporting performing arts.
A SUSTAINED & THRIVING SECTOR: Explore and support the creation of new
sustainable funding sources to cultivate a vibrant and healthy creative sector.
Tactics:
Complete one of these two prerequisites
through the Colorado Office of Economic
Development and International Trade:
Rural Technical Assistance Program (RTAP)
Creativity Lab
Call Yourself Creative Program
Designate specific areas in Estes Park to be
classified as the “Creative District” full of “artistic
and cultural activity, including major arts or
culture facilities, arts, entertainment
businesses, arts and cultural activities, or
artistic/cultural and creative sector production.
Strategy A: Apply to become a Certified Colorado Creative District.
Benefits of the program include:
a cash award of up to $10,000 for newly certified districts (local match required)
a technical and professional assistance fund available to districts that have been
certified for one or more years (local match required)
a marketing strategy developed in partnership with the Colorado Tourism Office
to support tourism and bring Colorado’s Creative Districts to a national audience
support in developing and pitching content and news about how creativity is
changing Colorado through the work of creative districts
two highway signs placed on state highways near districts
access to statewide economic data on the impact of creative districts
access to the Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF) Creative Vitality Suite,
an online platform for creative economy data
facilitate access to resources and facilitate a learning community among districts
Tactics:
Consider the establishment of a formal partnership between
EAD and the Town of Estes Park to strengthen connection and
amplify the impact of artistic initiatives within the community.
Conduct grant research and construct proposals that align with
the objectives of the broader arts initiatives in Estes Park.
Demonstrate the impact of grants and the arts on the Estes
Park community by showcasing the positive influence of artistic
projects and the broader impact of arts-related funding.
Strategy B: Acquire funds and support through public sources.
A SUSTAINED & THRIVING SECTOR: Explore and support the creation of new
sustainable funding sources to cultivate a vibrant and healthy creative sector.
Tactics:
Create unique and engaging experiences to attract a
diverse audience, combining entertainment with a
compelling presentation of the organization's mission.
Cultivate private contributions through relationship-
building
Encourage active engagement from the community by
creating opportunities for volunteering
Strategy C: Acquire funds and support through private sources.
A SUSTAINED & THRIVING SECTOR: Explore and support the creation of new
sustainable funding sources to cultivate a vibrant and healthy creative sector.
What do you want us to expand on?
What are we missing?
What is your vision for the future of art in Estes Park?
THANK YOU!
ESTES PARK
ARTS MASTER PLAN
DRAFT
Page 13
2
Table of Contents
Introduction
What is Art?
History of Art in Estes Park
Current Art Community
Impact of Creative Industries (in progress)
Methodology
Community Survey Findings
Inventory of Town-Owned Art (in progress)
Goal 1: Collaboration
Goal 2: Spaces
Goal 3: Sustained & Thriving Sector
Implementation Plan
Page 3-5
Page 6-7
Page 8
Page 9-10
N/A
Page 11
Page 12
Page 13-14
Linked on Page 14
All town photo credits: John Berry
Page 14
What is a “creative industry”?
Cultivating Creativity: The Estes Park Arts Master Plan
For this plan, the definition of creative industries is drawn from the
Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.
The creative industries include nonprofit, for-profit and independent
self-employed creatives. Specifically, the industries typically include
design, film and media, heritage, literary and publishing, performing
arts, and visual arts and crafts. Best practice also includes local
definitions and for this plan we include culinary arts and brewing.
Artist” and “creatives” are utilized throughout the plan to represent
all people working in the creative industries and creative economy.
Long drawn to its beautiful mountain landscape, highly creative people have found Estes Park to be a special
place of retreat, personal growth, and renewal.
In the early 1900s, the town experienced a convergence of artistic pursuits and technological innovation.
F.O. Stanley, the founder of The Stanley Hotel, not only constructed concert-quality violins but also invented
the Stanley Steamer and financed the development of dry-plate photography—a precursor to motion picture
film. To mark the opening of the Stanley Hotel in 1909, F.O. Stanley gifted his wife Flora a grand piano,
which she played often and is integral to the Stanley Hotel’s aesthetic to this day. This gesture set the stage
for a longstanding tradition of bringing great music to the Rockies. In 1942, pianist Beth Miller Harrod
founded Rocky Ridge, one of the oldest summer music programs in the country, which still thrives to this
day, ensuring that Estes Park's musical heritage continues to flourish.
Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Estes Park lies a community rich in natural beauty and
vibrant culture. The outdoors has long served as a powerful source of inspiration for artists across various
disciplines. Creativity in Estes Park cuts across artistic disciplines and industries to form a broader,
creative economy.” This economy stretches from the musicians, artists, dancers, filmmakers, and others
who create the paintings, films, and performances we enjoy to the designers, chefs, curators and others
who work in the arts.
Art serves as a direct expression of the values of a community, fostering heightened awareness among
both residents and visitors. Recognizing the profound impact that the arts have on both the spirit of the
community and its economic vitality, we are proud to introduce the Estes Park Arts Master Plan—a
roadmap that seeks to harness and amplify the transformative power of artistic expression.
Art plays a pivotal role in enhancing the experiences of both residents and visitors in our community, but
there is considerable potential for further development. With the implementation of this Master Plan, we
aim to seamlessly integrate art into the very fabric of our town's identity. This plan is a collaborative effort
amongst various organizations as well as individual artists across town with the understanding that
responsibility for implementation is shared.
Art is Integral to Our History
Credit: Estes Park Museum
3
Page 15
Long before the era of social media and mass advertising, Estes Park's allure spread through the works of
artists, writers, and photographers. The Hudson River School artist Albert Bierstadt, invited by the Earl of
Dunraven in 1877, painted the region, sparking a tradition that would be embraced by subsequent artists like
Thomas Moran and R.H. Tallant. Estes Park's reputation as an artists' community solidified with Tallant's
decision to make it his home in 1898, paving the way for others like Charles Partridge Adams, Sven Birgen
Sandzén, and David Stirling.
The history of art in Estes Park is not just a journey through time but a testament to the enduring spirit of
creativity and inspiration the town continues to offer. The legacy of its artistic pioneers echoes through the
works of contemporary artists, ensuring that Estes Park remains a thriving canvas where nature and creativity
converge harmoniously.
Albert Bierstadt painting
Credit: Rocky Ridge Music Center
The town's first wave of publicity came from painters, writers like Isabella
Bird, and photographers such as William Henry Jackson. Their depictions
conveyed the intangible essence of Estes Park—the crisp mountain air,
the rustling aspen leaves—that couldn't be captured with an image alone.
Over its first 50 years of incorporation, Estes Park continued attracting
nationally known artists like Lyman Byxbe, John Kirsch, Herb Thompson,
and Alfred Wands. Today, a new generation of fine artists and
photographers calls Estes Park home, carrying on the tradition of
showcasing the area's beauty to the world. Iconic bands like Devotchka
come back to play at the Stanley Hotel year after year, which can be
attributed to their adoration for Estes Park.
The Original Marketing Tool for Estes Park
4
Page 16
Current Art Community in Estes Park
Plein Air, Art Market (Memorial Day weekend), Gypsy Jazz (during a need period in August),
Friends of Folk Festival, Arts & Crafts Festivals, Wool Market, Snowygrass, Midsummer Festival,
Handmade in Colorado Art show
Note: this is an unfinished list
Chase the Music, Rocky Ridge Music Center, Estes Arts District, Fine Arts Guild, Ballet
Renaissance of Estes Park, Fiber Arts Council, Estes Park Chorale, Oratorio Society of Estes Park,
Old Gallery, Young Artists and Scholars Group, ACE of Fiber, the Village Band, Jazz Big Band, Art
Studio Tour
14 Galleries
15+ Venues
7 Maker Spaces
14 Art Organizations
9+ Annual Art-Driven Events
In addition to our beautiful sculptures, colorful murals and creative utility boxes, the Estes Park art
community is made up of the following incredible assets:
Art Center, Aspen & Evergreen, Alpenglow Images & Accents, Earthwood Artisans, Earthwood
Collections, Images of RMNP, Patterson Glassworks, The Studio Fine Art & Framing, Wild Spirits
Gallery, Mystic Mountain Gallery & Gifts, Wynbrier Wildlife Gallery, Omnibus, the Old Gallery,
Mountain Blown Glass
includes performance venues and businesses that host recurring live music)
Performance Park, Bond Park, Historic Park Theatre, Estes Park Marina, Stanley Live, The Barrel,
the Rock Inn Tavern, Avant Garde Aleworks, The Wheel, Lonigans, Lumpy Ridge Brewing, The Bull
Pin, American Legion, Full Throttle, Coffee on the Rocks, Cousin Pat’s Pub & Grill and more!
Seed & Sage, The Estes Valley Library, Art Center, Bear & Bee, Inspired, Creativity Cabin,
Peak to Peak Stitching
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Direct Economic Impact
Art plays a multifaceted role in society, through its direct impact on the economy, the creation of
sticky” places and aiding in attracting and retaining talent. All of these contributions foster a sense
of belonging and pride, not just in the artistic community but across diverse fields.
Arts and cultural production make up 3.9% of the GDP in Colorado and that’s more
than mining or transportation,” Christy Costello, interim director for Colorado Creative
Industries told the Daily Yonder. “It’s a big, big contributor to the economy and we need
to recognize that and continue to invest in arts and culture.”
Note: We are waiting on more data from the CTO
Value Added to Colorado Economy in 2021
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A Creative Industry is Great for Talent Retention & Attraction
Art Drives Commerce Through “Sticky” Places
Art Nurtures a Sense of Belonging & Pride
Creative Sectors have Positive Impacts on other Sectors
Access to talented and creative people is to modern business what access to coal and iron ore
was to steel-making.” — Richard Florida, The Rise of the Creative Class
While the creatives may drive economic productivity, it’s equally important to ensure an
inclusive agenda.
Term coined by urban planner Brent Toderian meaning: “Things like patios, food carts or trucks
combined with attractive seating, street performers, or just really lively store windows that draw a crowd,
all contribute to making a street more ’sticky.’ … A street is sticky if as you move along it, you’re
constantly enticed to slow down, stop and linger to enjoy the public life around you.”
In a survey of 43,000 citizens from 43 cities, the Knight Foundation’s Soul of the Community
Initiative found that the “aesthetics of a place — its art, parks and green spaces,” ranked higher than
education, safety, and the local economy as a “driver of attachment.”
Art is a powerful instrument used to communicate a town’s values to the viewer. In Estes Park,
strolling down our streets and appreciating the myriad beautiful murals offers our guests an instant
insight into the essence of who we are as a community.
Encouraging children (and people of all ages) to engage in arts increases their potential to
contribute to other fields. *source: Dallas Gislason, Jake West and Steve Woolrich from the Medium
Albert Einstein’s first love was music and it’s well documented that he played his violin “Lina”
quite beautifully. He has stated that music inspired his scientific theories.
Samuel Morse (inventor of Morse Code) was an accomplished painter and even attended the
Royal Academy of Arts.
Brian May (that’s Queen lead guitarist Dr. Brian May to you!) is also an astrophysicist and wrote
his PhD dissertation on interplanetary dust.
I can’t emphasize enough how transformational creative district designation has been for the town of
Ridgway,’ Ridgway Mayor John Clark said in an interview with the Daily Yonder. Ridgway was one of the first
creative districts in Colorado, certified in 2013. Before the creative district, Ridgway was just a little ranching
community, Clark said. The only store in town closed at 5 p.m., so if you wanted to get something for dinner,
you were out of luck. ‘The creative district…it’s just really given us a new identity like we haven’t had since
our founding,’ said Clark. Walk down the old main street, now called Clinton Street, in Ridgway today, and
It’s just kind of been reborn and is lined with galleries and shops and a microbrewery and a theater and
there are people out on the sidewalk enjoying the scenery,’ Clark said.”
Testimonial from Ridgway, CO
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We believe this Master Plan fulfills key strategies in the Town of Estes Park’s most recent
Comprehensive Plan as referenced here:
We kicked this process off with a digital survey. This survey was distributed in the newspapers,
through EAD social media and newsletter, and the Art Center’s newsletter. While outreach was
limited because we were still figuring the process out, it served as a great tool to get people
involved in the creation of the Arts Master Plan. We hosted a large event at Avant Garde for
brainstorming, held several one-on-ones with key players in the Estes Park art community to hear
their vision and met as a group often with representatives from art organizations and non-art
businesses around town. The conversations we have had with people have shown us the incredible
potential Estes Park has for investing in the arts.
Gathering Input
Methodology
In our research, we studied several Arts Master Plans in surrounding communities, such as:
Golden, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Lakewood, CO
Mancos, CO (outside of Mesa Verde National Park)
Ridgway, CO
Louisville, CO
Greeley, CO
Frederick, CO
Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan
The built environment is perhaps the most significant contributor to, or detractor from, a community’s
sense of place. Estes Park’s distinct identity has evolved into its current form because of the Valley’s.
extraordinary physical landscape, rich history and community contributions. Together, theses elements
influence the development of the built environment which impacts nearly every aspect of daily life...
BE 3.L: Work with partners to increase the visibility and accessibility of arts and culture as a means of
diversifying resident engagement and participation.
BE 3.3 The Town invests in physical improvements to the built environment and placemaking in
Downtown commercial areas to facilitate high quality redevelopment, pedestrian movement, public art
and areas for relaxing, gathering and shopping”
BE 3.1 Encourage redeveloping commercial centers to create a vibrant public realm through gathering
spaces, placemaking features and focal elements such as outdoor dining and public art”
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Survey Highlights
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Survey Highlights
What do you think the responsibility of the Estes Arts District should be?”
Develop a plan to enhance the Highway 7, 34, 36 corridors with art. The downtown corridor
has a nice variety of artwork.
To guide the community arts vision for EP and be a hub for ALL arts within the community.
Bring a variety of arts to the attention of the community.
Promote the arts (and artists) in all forms in Estes Park. Assist venues and artists in
marketing and education.
To be the umbrella organization for all the various performing and visual arts programs,
developing collaboration and mutual support in the promotion of the arts in Estes Park.
The District should foster the creation of art and educate on art's economic benefits.
Most common answers:
Experiences:
More modern music concerts
Expand Friends of Folk to include local art vendors by utilizing parking lot where food trucks are
Professional galleries
International film festival
Live theater music
Literary events
Music opportunities for youth
Jams, talent show, after school specials
Build art experiences
Rotating art displays in public spaces
Collaboration:
Professional artists/crafters classes monthly at a maker space
A wet space for Makers
Estes marketed as a place for creatives
Art industries working together on all big events
Central artist community and network
A one stop shop for artists, musicians etc
Central locations for the arts
A common theme emerged from the survey responses: collaboration.
In addition to a digital survey, we invited the community to an event at Avant Garde Aleworks. We
asked “What do you want to see more of in Estes Park regarding the arts?” on a whiteboard.
Roughly 60 guests wrote their answers on sticky notes and this is what we compiled:
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GOAL: COLLABORATION
To build a thriving creative ecosystem in Estes Park that
maximizes the benefits of collaboration among artists, cultural
organizations, businesses, and the community at large.
Strategy A:
Strategy B:
Support local creatives, enabling them to produce high-quality work, and contribute to the cultural
vitality of the community.
Strengthen partnerships and cross-sector collaboration to ensure a holistic approach to the arts’
role in Estes Park’s growth.
Maintain a comprehensive online directory or resource guide that lists available resources,
networking events and business opportunities for creatives in Estes Park.
1.
Maintain a robust scholarship program for emerging and established artists.2.
Create an artist spotlight program on various marketing channels to highlight the range of talent
Estes Park artists offer and to give emerging artists more representation.
3.
Advocate for the enhancement of affordable studio/workspace.4.
Empower artist initiatives in existing collaboration hubs.5.
Utilize relationships with the Estes Park Chamber of Commerce and the Town Clerk’s office to
identify businesses receptive to the arts and connect them with the appropriate creatives.
1.
Provide Visit Estes Park and the Estes Park Visitor Center with content promoting the arts
community to guests.
2.
Connect regularly with Estes Park art nonprofits and organizations to share ideas, discuss
challenges and plan collaborative projects.
3.
Tactics:
Tactics:
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GOAL: SPACES
Expand and support a multifaceted and inclusive arts environment
in Estes Park that emphasizes the growth and accessibility of
public art, performing arts, and art events.
Strategy A:
Strategy B:
Develop a diverse art collection that creates a sense of place, provides a unique town identity,
offers educational opportunities, and serves as an economic driver.
Enhance the community through supporting performing arts.
Maintain and elevate the Art in Public Places program. 1.
Encourage other organizations to adopt an Art in Public Places policy.2.
Explore the expansion of resources to include more investment for maintenance, preservation,
restoration and replacement of public art.
3.
Promote artful design and inclusion of public art in all town infrastructure development.4.
Ensure that art spaces are ADA-compliant and welcoming to all abilities and identities.5.
Explore the development of a designated space to present an array of performances in theater,
dance, music and visual arts.
1.
Implement programs that offer students in nearby schools meaningful, hands-on experiences in
the arts.
2.
Maximize the use of existing venues around town like Performance Park.3.
Tactics:
Tactics:
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The Colorado Creative Districts program certifies communities that contribute to our state’s
economy through creativity, culture, and the arts. The program’s goal is to help communities
increase jobs, incomes, and investments in creative places.
Benefits of the program include:
a cash award of up to $10,000 for newly certified districts (local match required)
a technical and professional assistance fund available to districts that have been certified for
one or more years (local match required)
a marketing strategy developed in partnership with the Colorado Tourism Office to support
tourism and bring Colorado’s Creative Districts to a national audience
support in developing and pitching content and news about how creativity is changing
Colorado through the work of creative districts
two highway signs placed on state highways near districts
access to statewide economic data on the impact of creative districts
access to the Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF) Creative Vitality Suite, an online
platform for creative economy data
facilitate access to resources and facilitate a learning community among districts
GOAL: A SUSTAINED & THRIVING SECTOR
Explore and support the creation of new sustainable funding
sources to cultivate a vibrant and healthy creative sector.
Strategy A:
Apply to become a Certified Colorado Creative District.
Complete one of these two prerequisites through the Colorado Office of Economic
Development and International Trade:
1.
Rural Technical Assistance Program (RTAP) CreativityLaba.
Call Yourself CreativeProgramb.
Designate specific areas in Estes Park to be classified as the “Creative District” full of “artistic
and cultural activity, including major arts or culture facilities, arts, entertainment businesses, arts
and cultural activities, or artistic/cultural and creative sector production.
2.
Tactics:
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Strategy B:
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN*
This implementation plan is currently in progress as we engage with more
organizations to collect information on how they can contribute to the
implementation process.
THANK YOU
Consider the establishment of a formal partnership between EAD and the Town of Estes Park
to strengthen connection and amplify the impact of artistic initiatives within the community.
1.
Conduct grant research and construct proposals that align with the objectives of the broader
arts initiatives in Estes Park.
2.
Demonstrate the impact of grants and the arts on the Estes Park community by showcasing the
positive influence of artistic projects and the broader impact of arts-related funding.
3.
Strategy C:
Acquire funds and support through public sources.
Acquire funds and support through private sources.
Create unique and engaging experiences to attract a diverse audience, combining
entertainment with a compelling presentation of the organization's mission.
1.
Cultivate private contributions through relationship-building2.
Encourage active engagement from the community by creating opportunities forvolunteering3.
Tactics:
Tactics:
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TOWN BOARD STUDY SESSION
December 12, 2023
Racial Covenants Research and Ordinance.
No packet material was provided for this
item.
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December 26, 2023 - CANCELLED
January 9, 2024
• HR Strategic Plan and Organizational
Culture Update
• Property Tax Work-Off Program
January 23, 2024
• Joint Study Session with Estes Park
Planning Commission
• Updated ADA Transition Plan
Items Approved – Unscheduled:
• Seasonal RV Housing on Commercial
Sites Pilot Program
• Bed and Breakfast Code Revisions
• Noise Ordinance
• Substandard Rental Housing
• Governing Policies Updates
• Stanley Park Master Plan
Implementation
• Downtown Loop Updates as Necessary
Items for Town Board Consideration:
• Hosted Short Term Rentals
• Economic Development Funding and
Policy 671 – Town Funding of Outside
Entities
• Future Use of Town-Owned Property at
Elm Road and Moraine Avenue
Future Town Board Study Session Agenda Items
December 12, 2023
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