During the week of November 28, 2022, Create Boulder convened a world-class panel of experts who have designed and operated cultural centers around the world. The panel interviewed more than three dozen community and arts leaders about their views toward Boulder’s cultural facility and performance needs.
Though our objective was to plan for a Performing Arts Complex, the panel made a critical observation: most stakeholders did not express a crying need for a new performing arts facility. Instead, their interests were more practical: a need for more space and financial support so arts organizations could sustain and grow their activities and organizations.
The panel shared their findings with more than 180 community members, city leaders, and stakeholders at eTown Hall. The panel recommended a 10-15 year plan to address some of the most pressing needs in the near term and work towards a potential arts complex. Their recommended first steps include the following:
Creation of an umbrella organization (such as a Cultural Trust, a successful model used in other communities) that can raise money, apply for grants, and also provide general administrative, logistical, and real estate support for artists and arts organizations. To forge this organization, convene arts groups and their key board members over the coming months to discuss such issues as mission, goals, funding, organization, and incorporation.
With the organizational infrastructure in place, the next step would be to repurpose existing buildings for studio, office, rehearsal, performance space, etc. Sites discussed in concept included the West Arapahoe Senior Center, the Atrium Building at 13th and Canyon, BMoCA (once they leave for their NoBo facility), and New Vista High. While providing needed space, these locations could ramp up more quickly than a new development and could help “brand” Boulder arts with physical facilities in visible locations.
This provisional step employs potentially available real estate and addresses Boulder’s values, such as recycling and sustainability. It is also possible that these buildings, once renovated for arts uses, could continue to support a range of arts-related needs and remain part of the city’s arts infrastructure.
While the City of Boulder won’t lead these efforts, time is of the essence as there is a window of three-four years when city financial resources, underused real estate, and support are most likely to materialize.
Over the longer term, Boulder may have the need and the organizational capacity to envision a multi-purpose, multi-cultural, multi-media cultural arts center. The panel ballparked the cost of this at $60M to $80M in today’s dollars. Though this is a hard lift today, it is an ambitious and visionary goal that could draw strong community and financial support in the future.
Action: We need volunteers to be part of a team to envision a “Boulder Cultural Trust.” If you’re interested in providing feedback or getting involved, please contact Create Boulder at info@createboulder.org.
Panelist Bios
Gena Buhler, Associate Principal, Theatre Projects, Denver. With over 20 years’ experience in event production, venue management, operational logistics, festival and program development, Gena joined Theatre Projects from the City of Aspen, where she worked as the executive and artistic director for the Wheeler Opera House. She’s also worked as the theatre director at Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek, worked in New York as an agent for The Road Company and IMG Artists, and started her career in festival management as an associate.
Michelle Delk, ASLA, Partner, Director of Landscape Architecture. Snohetta, New York. Since 2001, Michelle has led diverse urban projects across North America. Her work includes realization of downtown plazas, conceptual and construction plans for hundreds of acres of parks, streetscape revitalizations, the development of open spaces for campuses, and the creation of new civic public spaces.
Mark Heiser, Director for the Denver Performing Arts Complex at Arts & Venues. With Denver Arts & Venues since 2016, Mark was previously Managing Director of The David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York; the resident home of the New York City Ballet. Prior, Mark was General Manager of Cal Performances at the University of California Berkeley, one of the largest performing arts presenting organizations on the West Coast. Mark has a Bachelor’s Degree in Drama from the University of California at Irvine and a Master’s Degree in Dramatic Art/Arts Administration from the University of California at Davis.
Bruce O'Donnell, Principal |Starboard Reality, Denver. Bruce is a fifth-generation Coloradoan with expertise in land use, entitlements, master planning and real estate development; as well as infrastructure and water development. Bruce recently completed his third term as a Planning Commissioner for the City and County of Denver.
Chris Wineman, Principal, Semple Brown Architects, Denver. Chris is a senior arts executive and consultant specializing in the development and design of arts facilities. His experience as an executive helps him examine the strategic questions of feasibility and institutional need. His experience in fundraising and board relations helps him maximize the design team’s value to a capital campaign. Project experience includes: Ellie Caukins Opera House; King Center for the Performing Arts; and Parker Arts, Cultural & Events Center.
Michael Leccese, panel organizer and moderator. In 2022, Boulder resident Leccese retired after 16 years as executive director of ULI Colorado, a chapter of the global Urban Land Institute. Previously Michael was a communications consultant, journalist and editor covering architecture, urban design and real estate. Currently he chairs Boulder’s Housing Advisory Board (HAB), is on the Advisory Board of CU Denver’s College of Architecture and Planning. He joined the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC).
