Larimer Arts Association

What is the Larimer Arts Association?

The Lower Downtown Denver Arts Association, dba Larimer Arts Association (LAA), was established in 1996 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting arts awareness and education in Denver. LAA appreciates the value of art and culture, and the opportunity to present these expressions in cooperation with peer organizations. LAA's mission is to promote, stimulate and encourage the cultural welfare of Denver through interactive cultural events and cooperative art programming for emerging artists.

Issue and Market

Funding for the arts has significantly eroded in our schools, communities and venues. This condition is coupled with the diminishing amount of charitable support of the arts in Denver. The arts receive less than 23% of the total amount of charitable support of the arts in Denver (Cone/Roper Giving Survey 2000). These indications of neglect disregard the highly positive outcomes of culture: entertainment, beauty, fulfillment, and a vehicle of healing for children and adults alike.

Positive Outcomes

Over the years, the Larimer Arts Association had developed new audiences through annual culture event attendance nearing one million. Additionally, more than 500 emerging artists gain much deserved exposure in the Denver community. Audiences and artists have access to more cultural events free of charge. LAA also stresses the importance of exposing young artists to valuable experiences such as sharing their art publicly.

Funding and Status

The Larimer Arts Association is funded primarily by corporate sponsorship grant, event retail and concession sales. LAA is apolitical, has no religious affiliations, and supports affirmative action. LAA is a US 501(c) 3 in the state of Colorado and a SCFD Tier III affiliate.

Our Board of Advisors
David Zupancic Denver Center for the Performing Arts	Michael Rieger Lapis Gallery	Mary Eckels Gusterman Silversmiths
Steve Kurowski	Matthew Keeney AOR, Inc	Jennifer Collins, Peak Creative Media
Jennifer Schiavone, City of Denver - Theatres & Arenas	Heather Campbell, Red Peak Properties