CBCA: The winners

Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA) announced the winners of the 2014 Business for the Arts Awards, honoring companies and individual’s for their exemplary partnerships and engagement with the arts, to a sold-out crowd of arts, business, and civic leaders at the Seawell Grand Ballroom on Wednesday. 

“Congratulations to the arts and business leaders recognized today,” Mayor Michael Hancock said. “Arts, culture and creativity are the soul of cities like Denver. They play a critical role in our economy, identity and global competitiveness, and moreover, they are a point of pride for residents.”

“CBCA is delighted to celebrate so many inspired and innovative arts and business partnerships,” said Deborah Jordy, Executive Director of CBCA. “These outstanding companies and individuals represent the finest in corporate philanthropy, creative industries, civic leadership, creative workspace and impactful strategies; they serve as a role model for Colorado.”

2014 Business for the Arts Awards Winners

These five winners were chosen from 15 finalists. 

Create Award acknowledges an outstanding, for-profit creative business that has made a significant impact on Colorado’s creative economy

• Rakun for establishing a creative incubator that promotes economic and professional development, collaboration and growth for the Denver’s handmade community. Read more about the winner and finalists.

Impact Award highlights the innovative use of the arts to propel business success, programs that engage employees with creativity and other community activities that support arts and business partnerships.

• AspenPointe for its exceptional military artistic healing program in Colorado Springs that uses the power of art to teach self-expression and coping skills. Read more about the winner and finalists.

John Madden, Jr. Leadership Award recognizes a business sector individual who has made significant contributions to advancing arts and culture in Colorado.

• Robert & Judi Newman for their visionary leadership to increase access to the arts and vital arts education in Denver and nationally. Read more about the winner and finalists.

Philanthropy Award honors exemplary corporate citizenship and generosity to arts and cultural projects and organizations

• Arrow Electronics for advancing innovation, creativity and collaboration through inventive partnerships and philanthropy in the arts. Read more aboutthe winner and finalists.

Workspace Award pays tribute to an exceptional work environment that advances business objectives

• Gates Family Foundation for its renovation of a historic Denver building that reflects the Foundation’s values, honors the building’s legacy, and showcases Colorado artists. Read more about the winner and finalists.

The distinguished judging panel for the 2014 Business for the Arts Awards consisted of:

• Raydean Acevedo, President, Research Management Consultants, Inc.
• Kim Day, Manager of Aviation, Denver International Airport
• Alan Lee, Senior Vice President, U.S. Bank
• Brian Vogt, CEO, Denver Botanic Gardens

Lead sponsors are Ernst & Young, Kaiser Permanente and Pinnacol Assurance and additional sponsors of the 2014 Business for the Arts Awards include Delta Dental, GE Johnson, John Madden Company, Snell & Wilmer, The Publishing House, CBS4, ColoradoBIZ Magazine,  The Denver Post Community, and Rocky Mountain PBS.