Denver Arts & Venues (DAV), recognizes that creative districts are vital pillars of the broader creative economy, both across the state and specifically within the City and County of Denver. These districts serve as hubs of cultural activity, economic development, and community identity. Their impact is multifaceted, including: 

Strengthening the Creative Economy 

Creative districts play a key role in driving economic vitality by supporting creative-sector jobs, small businesses, and cultural tourism. Their ability to attract artists and entrepreneurs contributes to neighborhood growth and broader economic development.  

Advancing Cultural Vitality & Community Programming 

Through strong leadership and infrastructure, creative districts are able to deliver year-round programming, public art, and culturally relevant events that reflect local heritage and community priorities—deepening engagement and supporting local talent. 

Enhancing Neighborhood Resilience & Revitalization 

Creative districts contribute to neighborhood transformation by activating underused spaces, improving public safety through positive use, and enhancing the public realm—helping shape vibrant, welcoming places to live, work, and visit. 

Expanding Access & Equity in Arts and Culture 

By building inclusive practices and partnerships, creative districts help ensure that historically under-resourced communities have access to creative opportunities, skill-building, and culturally relevant programming—advancing equity across the city. 

This fund supports capacity-building initiatives that strengthen Denver's Certified Creative District's ability to sustain their infrastructure, core functions, and organizational effectiveness. Areas of support include:  

Technical support and professional assistance 

This may include assistance with program development, leadership strengthening, and improvements to governance and administrative systems. This can also encompass board development, equity related work, strategic planning, training opportunities, and support for refining district management practices. 

Development support  

This may include assistance with organizational growth, community engagement strategies, and identifying diversified revenue streams to promote long-term stability. This could also involve exploring, updating, or establishing special district structures—such as Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), General Improvement Districts (GIDs), or Tax Increment Financing (TIF) mechanisms. Additionally, support may help districts prepare for major project implementation by clarifying timelines, resource requirements, and governance pathways. 

While this fund is not directly tied to the broader goals of the state’s Creative District Program, Denver Arts & Venues is interested in understanding how the proposed capacity-building project aligns with DENVER CREATES, Denver’s Cultural Plan. This helps us track how our investments in the Creative Districts support the city’s cultural priorities. To that end, we also require Creative Districts to articulate alignment with DENVER CREATES in their request for funding.  

Learn more about Denver Creates here: https://www.denver-creates.com/

PROGRAM AND GOALS

The 16th Street Performers Network offers an opportunity to activate Denver’s downtown with musicians, artists, entertainers, and performers of all kinds to surprise and delight pedestrians and bring vibrancy to downtown Denver through the arts. 

SELECTION PROCESS

Individual artists or artist groups of up to three people are invited to apply to become part of the 16th Street Performers Network. The Network is a list of artists and small ensembles that Downtown Denver Partnership can choose from to activate 16th Street, surprising and delighting visitors with music, magic, theater, artist demonstrations, etc. Artist groups are limited to three people to ensure that activations do not impede pedestrian traffic. 

Applications to join the network will be reviewed quarterly by representatives from Denver Arts & Venues (DAV) and from Denver’s Commission on Cultural Affairs. If an application is approved, the artist(s) will be notified by a representative of DAV, their information will be shared with Downtown Denver Partnership, and they will join the 16th Street Performers Network of artists. Artists remain in the network for a period of two years, after which they will need to reapply. 

Performances or demonstrations may take place outside of a business storefront, on a patio along 16th Street, or in open spaces that do not impede the Right of Way. Selected artists will work with DDP and local businesses to determine appropriate locations. 

WHO CAN APPLY

Any individual artist or small ensembles of up to three performers working in any genre, including but not limited to musicians, visual artists, craft artists demonstrating their craft, circus artists, magicians, thespians, etc.  will be considered. Artists must live in Denver or the Denver metro area. 

LIMITATIONS

1. Artists may not place unapproved signage of any type on the mall surface nor attach to any mall furnishings.
2. Portable generators are not allowed. Most performance locations will not have access to power and applicants with no power needs may have more performance opportunities.
3. All equipment must be approved by the Downtown Denver Partnership.
4. Artists cannot use street furnishings for their performances.
5. No equipment can be connected to planters, trees, lights, or vendor kiosks.
6. Marking of the ground or any furnishings is prohibited.
7. Amplified sound is allowed however sound levels must be within the restrictions of the current noise ordinance (currently 50 dB). Generally, you should not be heard 100 feet from your location.
8. If asked to reduce your volume you should do so quickly and kindly. Some businesses require a level of quiet to operate.
9. Artists should not impede pedestrian traffic or block any business entrance or exit.

RATE OF PAY & PAYMENTS

$150 per performance hour for each performer.

The Downtown Denver Partnership will be responsible for contracting and paying all performers for their work. Artists should receive payment within 30 days of their performance.

HOW ARTIST WILL BE CONTACTED/CONTRACTED

NOTE: Being accepted to the Network is not a guarantee that an artist will be hired to perform. When an artist or artist group is going to be hired, they will be contacted by DDP who will provide the artist(s) with detailed information about where and when they are being asked to perform, limitations and requirements, and they will provide the artist(s) with a performance agreement. Performances will generally take place between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. The hired artist(s) should direct all correspondence and questions about their performance agreement and pay to Downtown Denver Partnership. 

QUESTIONS

Please direct questions about the application to Shanna Shelby at Shanna.Shelby@denvergov.org