2019 Business for the Arts Awards Luncheon

Up with People performing at the 2018 Business for the Arts Awards Luncheon. Credit: Amanda Tipton

Presented by EY and PNC Bank, the sold-out 2019 Business for the Arts Awards Luncheon will honor outstanding business and arts partnerships from across Colorado. This inspiring, arts-infused event is attended annually by 700+ corporate, cultural and civic leaders. This signature event is one of Colorado’s most anticipated luncheons. Honorees will be celebrated for their innovative partnerships, generous philanthropy, creative businesses and stellar leadership across the state.

If you’re interested in attending and would like to be on the waitlist, contact Adriel Long at along@cbca.org or 720-428-6723.

Luncheon Event Details

PARKING
The luncheon is in the Seawell Grand Ballroom at the Denver Performing Arts Complex (map). Parking is available at the Performing Arts Complex Garage and the Colorado Convention Center. There are also nearby surface lots and additional parking garages in the area.

NETWORKING 
Doors open at 11:00 am for the networking reception in the lobby. Connect with 700 arts, business and civic leaders from across Colorado. Thanks to Xcel Energy for sponsoring this networking reception.

  • Say hello to Popsicle, the SCFD’s Polar Bear mascot
  • Check out a larger-than-life balloon frame created by Balloon Art by Merry Makers
  • Tag your selfie with #BizforArts

LUNCHEON
The program starts at 11:45 am and concludes at 1:30 pm. You don’t want to miss a moment of this high-energy, arts-infused event. During the luncheon, we will celebrate all of the 2019 Honorees, intermixed with diverse live performances.

Lunch will be a delicious chicken and quinoa salad, while vegetarians and vegans will receive a hearty ratatouille with tabbouleh. All meals are gluten-free and there is a gluten-free dessert option, too. If you need to request a special meal, contact along@cbca.org.

2019 Award Honorees

2019 Business for the Arts Awards Honorees

The Business for the Arts Awards Honorees are exemplary organizations that have gone above and beyond to support the arts and creative industries.

  • Bank of America has a deep commitment to philanthropy in the arts, including sponsoring major exhibits at Denver Art Museum, grants for art conservation and their Museums on Us program.
  • City of Lakewood collaborated to create the 40 West ArtLine, a four-mile walking and biking arts experience, creatively connecting parks and neighborhoods to transit, businesses, and other amenities.
  • Colorado Harvest Company, a premium cannabis production and retail company, was a founding sponsor of Denver’s Levitt Pavilion and continues to integrate the arts into their facilities.
  • Dairy Block, developed by McWHINNEY, Sage Hospitality and Grand American, Inc., is a unique micro-district in downtown Denver, boasting over 700 pieces of art featuring 30 Colorado artists, curated by NINE dot ARTS.
  • The Independence Center, an independent living center that serves people with disabilities in El Paso County, has forged unique relationships with arts organizations to lift up the voices of the people they serve.
  • Kaiser Permanente Colorado’s recent public health awareness campaign included powerful murals promoting the importance of mental health throughout Colorado Springs and Pueblo.

EY Next Wave Leadership Award

The EY Next Wave Leadership Award honors rising professionals who are leading the future of our cultural community.

  • Armando Silva, Artist/Gallery Owner, Artmando Studio is an artist, teacher and performer based in Greeley who supports the community through performance paintings, engaging 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 arts and culture in Colorado.

  • Meredith Hutson, Founder and Executive Director, Presenting Denver (Leadership Arts 2012) is a tireless volunteer leader and arts advocate, furthering Denver as an innovative dance hub through Presenting Denver, community partnerships and volunteer service.

Volunteer Attorney of the Year

The Volunteer Attorney of the Year 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, Principal, Creative Law Network 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 a legacy of support for the arts.

  • Mariner Kemper, Chairman, President and CEO, UMB Financial Corporation 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.

 

The 2019 Business for the Arts Awards Honorees, EY Next Wave Leadership Award, PNC Bank Cultural Leadership Award and John Madden, Jr. Leadership Award were selected by an independent panel of arts, business and community leaders.

  • 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

The Volunteer Attorney of the Year Award was selected by the CAFTA Advisory Committee.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Presenting Sponsors

Entertainment and Centerpiece Sponsor

Awards Artwork Sponsor

Networking Sponsor

Media and In-Kind Sponsors