Photo by Amanda Tipton Photography

More than 700 corporate, cultural and civic leaders celebrated 10 honorees at the 2019 Colorado Business Committee for the Arts’ (CBCA) Business for the Arts Awards, the only statewide event honoring companies and individuals for their exemplary engagement with the arts.

All honorees were celebrated at the annual Business for the Arts Awards Luncheon, presented by EY and PNC Bank, on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 in the Seawell Grand Ballroom at the Denver Performing Arts Complex.  CBCA has been producing this inspiring, arts-infused event for over 30 years, featuring a variety of home-grown entertainers and Colorado artists.

Entertainment at this year’s luncheon included: a Denver-based indie-alternative band Ivory Circle, an excerpt from Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ Xanadu, a scene from And Toto too Theatre Company, and a performance from the Intergenerational Women’s African Dance and Drumming Ensemble (IWADDE). In addition, a balloon art installation was featured during the pre-event networking reception, created by Balloon Art by Merry Makers from Greeley, Colo.  Think 360 Arts for Learning and artists/educators Eurekus were commissioned to create the table centerpieces.

“We applaud all of the outstanding honorees this year for their innovative and impactful business and arts partnerships. Their stories demonstrate how the arts and business advance our economy and strengthen the cultural vitality and quality of life in Colorado,” said Mark Davidson, Chair of CBCA’s Board of Directors, and a Director at Fairfield and Woods.

The 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.

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 (CAFTA) program across Colorado.

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.

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.

Honorees received a unique fine art sculpture as their award, crafted by Colorado Springs artist, Sean O’Meallie. The 2019 Business for the Arts Awards Honorees, PNC Cultural Leadership Award Honoree, EY Next Wave Leadership Award Honoree and the John Madden, Jr. Leadership Award Honoree were selected by an independent panel of arts, business and community leaders. The Volunteer Attorney of the Year Award was selected by the CAFTA Advisory Committee.

CBCA thanks our generous sponsors who make this event possible. Presenting sponsors include EY and PNC Bank, as well as Bellco Credit Union, HealthOne and Xcel Energy. In-kind and media partners are CBS4, ColoradoBiz and The Publishing House.