Alli's Writing

Public art boosts local economies Can public art draw the community together? Or, increase foot traffic? Can it boost sales for other small businesses and towns? Can the addition of public art drive tourism? Many small, Colorado towns are asking these questions and experimenting with the idea that art can be economically worthwhile.  Art in public spaces, usually free to all, improves our town and  city-scape, but they also bring in dollars. Some see arts and culture as a luxury, onl y accessible to the rich, however a nationwide trend toward public, easily accessible art is finding its way here, and the results are positively money! Figure 1: Art Space in Trinidad, Colorado A 2017 Denver Post article told of a creative turning point for Trinidad, Colorado, when then Governor Hickenlooper, and the local city council agreed to create “Space to Create Trinidad.” This $17 million project still underway, provides affordable housing options for creativ...