Member Highlight: Colorado Chautauqua

Tell us about you: provide a short bio or mission statement.

Founded in 1898, Boulder’s Colorado Chautauqua, remains committed to its historic purpose, offering outstanding cultural and educational programs and attracting more than a million visitors each year.  The Arts and Nature come together at the foot of the Flatirons! Join us for public art exhibits, concerts, performances, talks and community events in our grounds, Auditorium and Community House.

Share a story of your organization’s engagement in the arts.

Our Art In The Park exhibits of artist decorated bear cubs have been popular with visitors of all ages. They bring visibility to diverse local artists, highlight 15 non-profits each time and have attracted sponsorship from the business community. At the end of each exhibit, we host an online auction which raises money for the artists, non-profits and community needs as well as Chautauqua.

How have arts and/or creativity helped you or your company draw inspiration or innovation during this challenging time?

Sponsorship helps us to cover the substantial costs of putting on art exhibits and also supports our other community events such as Celebracion De La Comunidad (free and bilingual event with music, puppetry and storytelling) and WinterFest (annual December community event with mix of free and ticketed activities including tree-lighting, WinterFest market, horse-drawn carriage rides, and more).

We held three Art In The Parks last year, which supported and gave visibility to over 50 artists. The concerts, talks and performances we host in the Auditorium and Community House showcase local creative talent as well as nationally and internationally renowned artists. Our General Store and WinterFest market support many local creative vendors and craftspeople.

Why are you involved with CBCA?

We value being part of CBCA’s creative community and also work closely with business. This is not only as sponsors but as hosts – for their own corporate retreats and Chautauqua’s menu of curated experience offerings. Retreats let companies harness the restorative power of history and nature to inspire and connect. Chautauqua was honored to be a 2022 CBCA Business For The Arts honoree.