ALAMOSA —The Alamosa Creates committee, a group of local artists, community leaders, and residents, held a public meeting on April 9 to discuss the initiative to have Alamosa designated as a cultural district. The committee's role is to facilitate community engagement, gather feedback, and develop a plan for the Creative District.  

"This is a gathering for us to discuss, share, learn, plan, and dream together about what a creative district can look like in the City of Alamosa," said Lares Feliciano, a member of the Alamosa Creates committee. Feliciano is an artist and cultural worker in Alamosa and is on the committee. "I love the Valley, and this place deeply inspires me, and I can't imagine a better place to be a creative person,” said Feliciano. The Alamosa City Council appointed the committee. 

A Creative District is a designated area by the state that concentrates arts and cultural resources and activities. Such a district can enrich the community by attracting artists, creative businesses, and visitors. It can enhance the community's identity through the celebration of Alamosa's artistic and cultural heritage. Such a district includes gathering spaces for events, performances, and community interaction and improves the overall quality of life by increasing access to arts and cultural experiences. 

According to the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, "The Colorado Creative Districts program certifies communities that contribute to our state's economy through creativity, culture, and the arts. The program aims to help communities increase jobs, incomes, and investments in creative places. 

“Colorado Creative Districts attract artists and creative entrepreneurs to a community, infusing new energy and innovation, which in turn enhances the economic and civic capital of the community. Districts also serve as a focal point for celebrating and strengthening a community's unique identity, become a space to showcase cultural and artistic organizations and events, and contribute to the development of healthy communities." 

These meetings are not just for information sharing, but also for the public to actively shape the future of Alamosa's arts and culture. They will have the opportunity to share their ideas about the kind of arts and cultural activities they'd like to see in Alamosa, provide feedback on potential locations, designs, and programs for the Creative District. 

The Alamosa Creates initiative comes with a host of benefits that can significantly enhance the city's cultural landscape. These include: 

• A cash award of up to $10,000 for newly certified districts (local match required).
• A technical and professional assistance fund available to districts that have been certified for one or more years (local match required).
• A marketing strategy developed in partnership with the Colorado Tourism Office to support tourism and bring Colorado's Creative Districts to a national audience.
• Support in developing and pitching content and news about how creativity is changing Colorado through the work of creative districts.
• Two highway signs placed on state highways near districts.
• Access to statewide economic data on the impact of creative districts.

The next meeting of Alamosa Creates is a crucial opportunity for the public to contribute to the city's cultural future. It will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 5-7 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Clubs of the San Luis Valley, 1115 10th St., Alamosa.