2023 Business for the Arts Awards Luncheon

The 2023 Business for the Arts Awards luncheon, presented by EY and PNC Bank, honors exemplary collaborations, philanthropy and leadership to advance the arts across Colorado. This annual high-energy, arts-infused event is Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA)’s largest fundraiser and celebration. Table and ticket purchases are partially tax-deductible. Thank you for your support!

CBCA’s 2023 Business for the Arts Awards luncheon is officially SOLD OUT.  Livestream-only tickets are still available.

 2023 Business for the Arts Awards Luncheon Agenda

• 10:30am VIP Reception at Prelude + Post, sponsored by Anythink Libraries (INVITE ONLY)
• 11:00am Networking Reception with entertainment, sponsored by Xcel Energy, in DCPA lobby
• 11:45am Awards Luncheon program begins in Seawell Ballroom, DCPA
• 1:30pm Awards Luncheon program concludes

2023 Business for the Arts Awards Honorees

2023 Arts & Business Partnership Award Honorees

• Colectiva is dedicated to advancing Latinx and BIPOC artists and creative businesses, ranging from chefs to dancers. Since 2020, Colectiva has worked with over 30 businesses and organizations to foster collaborations, infuse our community with art and advocate for culture. Watch award video
• Colorado School of Mines students and faculty in the George S. Ansell Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering and the Hennebach Program in the Humanities collaborated with performing arts collective itchy-O to create one-of-kind musical instruments, advancing the field of musical engineering and showcasing the intersection of the arts and science. Watch award video
• Fitzsimons Credit Union is deeply invested in supporting and promoting the Aurora Cultural Arts District. Fitzsimons staff and philanthropy support Downtown Aurora Visual Arts (DAVA), Aurora Fox Theater, Colfax Canvas Mural Fest, and We Are A-Town Art District Clean-Up events. Watch award video
• Gill Foundation & Scream Agency partnered with the LGBTQ artist community in Denver, as well as History Colorado and RiNo Arts District, to raise awareness about the pivotal LGBTQ movements in 2021. Local artists depicted key LGBTQ milestones on canvas, wood, and even a warehouse garage. Watch award video
• McWhinney believes that incorporating art is necessary for successful placemaking. With arts and culture as one of its brand pillars, McWhinney brings its commitment to life at a multitude of properties in Colorado, such as Dairy Block, Centerra in Loveland and Denver Union Station. Watch award video
• Mishawaka Amphitheatre and their philanthropic arm, the Mish Initiative, having been partnering with the Front Range community and beyond to expand access to live music, catalyze the careers of Colorado musicians, and shape the policy to improve the music ecosystem. Watch award video
• Modivcare worked with Access Gallery to fill their new corporate headquarters with nearly 100 original artworks created by artists with disabilities and seniors, which aligns with their mission to provide health access to underserved communities. Watch award video
• U.S. Bank in a national leader in corporate support and employee engagement for arts and culture. The arts are one of three community focus areas, which results in more than $250,000 annually to support a range of Colorado cultural organizations through the U.S. Bank Foundation. Watch award video

EY Next Wave Leadership Award

• Ashley Cornelius, LPC, RESTORE Program Manager, Denver Health is a passionate advocate for mental health, empowerment and racial equity. A licensed counselor and Pikes Peak Region Poet Laureate, Ashley is committed to using poetry as a platform to speak up and out for marginalized groups and be a voice for those who have been silenced. Watch award video

PNC Bank Cultural Leadership Award

• Deborah Malden, Co-Founder/Board Member, Create Boulder and Arts Liaison & Advisor, Boulder Chamber has been advocating for the arts since graduating from Leadership Arts in 2013. Deborah’s leadership service includes 3^rd Law Dance/Theater, SCFD Board of Directors, Create Boulder, Boulder Chamber, CBCA’s Colorado Cultural Champions and more. Watch award video

Volunteer Attorney Impact Award

• Brian Hanning, Attorney, Hanning Law Limited has been an active volunteer with Colorado Attorneys for the Arts (CAFTA) since 2017, helping numerous artists and creative entrepreneurs with their legal needs, answering questions on CAFTA consultation clinics, and advocating for startup and small business support in Northern Colorado. Watch award video

John Madden, Jr. Leadership Award

• Merle Chambers, business person and co-founder, Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art is a pioneer of women’s leadership and philanthropy, supporting significant capital projects at several museums, performance venues and cultural institutions. Merle was recently appointed by U.S. President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. to the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts (PACA). Watch award video

2023 Business for the Arts Awards Judges

• Kirsty Greer, Senior Vice President, McWhinney
• Jen Morris, Executive Director, Denver Economic Development & Opportunity, City and County of Denver
• Kennedy Pugh, Founder, Colorado Arts and Artists
• Christine Quintana, Partner, EY
• Jose “Chepe” Rosales, Co-Founder & Executive Director, ArtistiCO
• David Siegel, Executive Director, Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS
• Sam Somuri, OCIO Sr. Investment Advisor, PNC Bank

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the 2023 Business for the Arts Awards. Contact Karlie McLaughlin at kmclaughlin@cbca.org for more information.

We appreciate your cooperation to respect and adhere to all COVID safety measures of our host venues and partners. Please read the DCPA reopening guidelines (updated March 28, 2022).

Photography/Video Notice

Photographs and/or video will be taken at this event. By taking part in this event, you consent to your image/likeness, voice, and/or name being used in photographs and/or film, and any reproductions or adaptations thereafter, by Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA) for utilization in any and all print and digital media in perpetuity. If you do not wish to be photographed and/or filmed, please contact CBCA at main@cbca.org.