Arts, Music Scene in Colorado Springs Varied and Vibrant
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Arts events and attractions in Colorado Springs are as varied as the shades on a painter’s palette. And key players are writing the script for an even more vibrant scene in the future.
Colorado Springs has grown significantly over the last few decades. At the turn of the 20th century‚ arts were a huge focus‚ but then the emphasis shifted to industry‚ the military and high tech. The arts community to an extent has remained a smaller voice‚ but now it is definitely working its way toward the forefront. There are a number of organizations involved in programming and conceptualizing what the arts will look like as the city progresses in the next several years.
Art All Around
Many of the latest efforts focus on putting more art in public spaces. The community has welcomed a downtown sculpture program and the addition of art at the airport. Murals in the city auditorium are undergoing restoration‚ and a new downtown arts district is also in the works.
The grand vision for downtown’s Depot Arts District includes affordable housing‚ studios and gallery spaces for artists. The area will serve as a much-needed hub for the arts community and will make art more accessible to the public.
These developments add new dimensions to an already colorful canvas. No single medium dominates the arts landscape here; instead the city is home to a variety of talents and styles.
Music in the Mountains
The music scene is also big in Colorado Springs. The Colorado Springs Symphony performs just about every other week. The city also boasts an active jazz community, and there are a number of chamber orchestras and amateur orchestras in the city.
Visually Speaking
Colorado Springs is home to an estimated 2‚000 visual artists who live and work in the area. Photography is big because of the city’s breathtaking landscape‚ but there are probably just as many painters and sculptors who call Colorado Springs home.
Among several display spaces is the Gallery of Contemporary Art at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs‚ which attracts shows from across the country as well as hosting juried shows for local artists.
At the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center‚ both visual and performing artists find support. The facility includes an art museum with an emphasis on contemporary art‚ a performing-arts theater‚ a school of art‚ and a repertory theater company‚ which produces four musicals each year.
And in nearby Manitou Springs‚ the Business of Arts Center acts as a “business incubator” for artists‚ offering workshops‚ classes‚ galleries and studio space.
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Photo by Brian McCord
