Annual Business for the Arts Awards Announced

Ten honorees have been selected by Colorado Business Committee for the Arts, to be celebrated Tuesday, March 12, 2019  at the Business for the Arts Awards, where more than 700 corporate, cultural and civic leaders are expected to be in attendance.

"The 2019 Business for the Arts Awards honorees demonstrate the power of arts and creativity to advance Colorado's economy and strengthen community vitality," says Christin Crampton Day, CBCA's executive director. 

She points to philanthropy, volunteer leadership and innovation present in the cross-section of organizational efforts exhibited.

This year represents the first that CBCA has recognized a cannabis company, Colorado Harvest Company, for its support of the arts.

The honorees for 2019 were selected by an independent panel of arts, business and community leaders, including:

• J.J. Ament: CEO, Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation
• Liz Gardner, Social Investment Representative, Xcel Energy
• Jim Johnston, Marketing Director, Bellco Credit Union
• Hal Logan, past John Madden Jr. Leadership Award Honoree
• Jill Robinson, President and CEO, TRG Arts

2019 BUSINESS FOR THE ARTS AWARDS HONOREES

These exemplary organizations have exceeded the call of duty to support the arts and creative industries throughout Colorado and beyond.

BANK OF AMERICA

This financial institution's commitment to philanthropy was most recently exhibited in its sponsorship of the Denver art Museum's major exhibits, as well as offering grants for art conservation. Bank of America also engages in a Museums on Us program.

CITY OF LAKEWOOD

Within the last year, the City of Lakewood worked collaboratively to create the 40 West ArtLine, a four-mile creatively infused walking and biking trail, connecting parks and and neighborhoods to transit, businesses and amenities.

COLORADO HARVEST COMPANY

A cannabis production and retail company, the team was a founding sponsor of Denver's Levitt Pavilion and strives to incorporate art into its facilities.

DAIRY BLOCK

Developed by McWHINNEY, Sage Hospitality and Grand American Inc., this urban micro-district is home to more than 700 pieces of art, featuring 30 local artists, all curated by NINE dot ARTS.

THE INDEPENDENCE CENTER

Serving individuals with disabilities in El Paso County, this independent living center has forged unique relationships with cultural organizations to uplift the voices of those they serve.

KAISER PERMANENTE COLORADO

Kaiser has worked diligently throughout the last year on its mental health awareness campaign in Colorado Springs and Pueblo, producing powerful public art.

EY NEXT WAVE LEADERSHIP AWARD

This honor recognizes rising professionals who are leading the future of the cultural economy.

ARMANDO SILVA

Greeley-based artist, teacher and performer, Armando Silva owns Artmando Studio, and supports the community through performance paintings, murals and an annual hip-hop dance festival.

PNC BANK CULTURAL LEADERSHIP AWARD

The PNC Bank Cultural Leadership Award recognizes an outstanding graduate of CBCA's Leadership Arts program, who has made an impact on the community.

MEREDITH HUTSON

A graduate of the 2012 Leadership Arts program. founder and executive director of Presenting Denver, Hutson is a tireless volunteer leader and arts advocate, furthering Denver as an innovative dance hub.

VOLUNTEER ATTORNEY OF THE YEAR

This honor recognizes an outstanding attorney who has provided pro bono legal services to Colorado creatives and advanced CBCA's Colorado Attorneys for the Arts (CAFTA) program.

DAVE RATNER​

A principal at Creative Law Network, Ratner has dedicated his legal practice and volunteer service to the creative industries, including stewarding the development and growth of CBCA's Colorado Attorneys for the Arts program across Colorado.

JOHN MADDEN JR. LEADERSHIP AWARD

Named for CBCA's founding chairman, the John Madden Jr. Leadership Award recognizes a lifetime of extraordinary leadership and legacy of support for the arts.

MARINER KEMPER

Chairman, president and CEO of the UMB Financial Corporation, Mariner Kemper has carried on UMB's comprehensive and sustained commitment to the cultural sector through his philanthropy, leadership, business practices and personal passion for the arts.