2017 Business for the Arts Awards Finalists

CBCA announces the finalists for its 2017 Business for the Arts Awards, the only statewide event honoring companies and individuals for their outstanding partnerships and engagement with the arts.  CBCA will reveal the winners at its high-energy Business for the Arts Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 in the Seawell Grand Ballroom at the Denver Performing Arts Complex.  Over 700 corporate, cultural and civic leaders attend this inspiring event.

2017 Business for the Arts Awards Finalists

Winners will be announced in the following five categories from these fourteen finalists:

Create Award

• Odell Brewing Company is at the forefront of craft brewing’s growth, community responsibility and culture, which contributes to Fort Collins’ and Colorado’s identity, economy and creative industries.
• Songbird Cellars is a collaborative music venue and winery that is pushing Southern Colorado’s music scene forward and advancing Pueblo’s creative vitality.
• TRG Arts, based in Colorado Springs, has helped numerous arts & cultural institutions improve their financial health, grow audiences, train leaders, and increase their positive impact.

EY Next Wave Leadership Award

• Kayvan S. T. Khalatbari is an entrepreneur and philanthropist who’s impacted Denver’s comedy scene, media, cultural organizations, cannabis industry and other social issues.
• Jackson Stevens is making the arts more accessible and inviting for young professionals, particularly in his leadership role at Colorado Symphony’s Remix.

Impact Award

• Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce’s one-of-a-kind photography collection exemplifies their core values, highlights local artists and embodies their support for the arts.
• New Belgium Brewing incorporates the arts to personify their unique brand and their commitment to collaboration and community engagement in Fort Collins and beyond.
• Sage Hospitality is dedicated to curating unique artworks in all their hotels, including over 30 hotels in Colorado, as well as providing opportunities for local artists to thrive.

John Madden, Jr. Leadership Award 

• Merry Logan chaired Colorado Ballet’s first ever capital campaign, resulting in the stunning Armstrong Center for Dance and a springboard for future successes.
• Tim Schultz’s passion for the arts and visionary leadership at the Boettcher Foundation over 20 years have contributed to Colorado’s Creative Districts program and Space to Create Colorado.
• Doug Tueller’s volunteer service, legal counsel and leadership roles include the Pinhead Institute, Rotary Club and Foundation, AhHaa School for the Arts and Telluride Arts.

Philanthropy Award

• Denver Toyota Dealers Association has provided long-standing and significant support to the Denver Art Museum, Denver Zoo and Cherry Creek Arts Festival.
• Elevations Credit Union supported the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) in Boulder through their foundation by providing writers workshops and promoting access to arts and literature.
• Noble Energy worked with DCPA to bring an innovative STEAM education initiative to local schools, which is one of several partnerships with cultural organizations.

The distinguished judging panel for the 2017 Business for the Arts Awards consisted of:

• Wayne Barrett, Vice President & Market Officer, Prologis
• Will Chan, Services to New Immigrants Program Administrator, Denver Public Library
• Beth Johnson, Attorney, Moye White
• Mary Lester, Director of Special Projects, PRV Family Office

CBCA thanks our generous sponsors who make this event possible. Corporate sponsors include EY, John Madden Company, Arrow Electronics, Arts Brookfield, and Delta Dental of Colorado. In-kind sponsors are Ligature Creative Group and The Publishing House.