The Governor's Arts Award is given annually to a Colorado city or town which has effectively utilized the arts and the creative sector to enhance the quality of life and social and economic vitality of their community. In 2011, two cities tied for the award, Creede and Telluride. They were honored by Governor Ritter last February at Arts Advocacy Day. Both cities received an original mixed media collage by artist Gayle Gerson of Grand Junction.

The 2011 Governor's Arts Award Nomination forms are available online at the Colorado Creative Industries Web site at www.coloarts.org, or may be requested by mail by calling 303-892-3802. The postmark deadline for nomination forms is October 29, 2010.

The 2011 award will again consist of an original work of art created by a commissioned Colorado Artist, to be presented by the Governor at Arts Advocacy next February. A second piece will be commissioned to hang in the State Capitol.A separate Call to Artists interested in competing for the commission for these two pieces is available here. 

About Colorado Creative Industries
Colorado Creative Industries is a division of the state Office of Economic Development and International Trade. The agency's mission is to promote, support and expand the creative industries to drive Colorado's economy, grow jobs and enhance our quality of life. The agency works to create and expand professional development and networking opportunities for creatives, promote Colorado as a premiere creative hub, increase access to arts and creativity skills in preschool through college education and workforce development, and stimulate increased support for creatives by local governments and coalitions. www.coloarts.org

About Arts for Colorado and Colorado Citizens for Culture

Arts for Colorado (AFC) is a non-profit 501(c)4 statewide arts advocacy membership organization dedicated to improving the climate for culture throughout the state. We focus most of our attention on preserving and expanding state support of the arts. In 2006, AFC and our members played a critical role in restoring $2 million in funding to the Colorado Council on the Arts. Colorado Citizens for Culture (CCC) is the non-profit 501(c)3 charitable arm of Arts for Colorado. CCC works to raise public awareness of the vital role the arts play in education excellence, economic health and quality of life for all Colorado citizens. For further information, please visit www.artsforcolorado.org or call 303-629-1166.