As part of our efforts to recognize the incredible impact of local businesses collaborating with arts + culture organizations, we asked our members to share stories of their involvement. The following guest post was provided by Founding Member Creative Strategies Group.
As one of Denver’s premiere event marketing and sponsorship agencies, Creative Strategies Group (CSG) has had the privilege to work with an array of Denver and Colorado’s arts and cultural organizations. Over the years we have had enjoyed working with the Colorado Symphony, Colorado Ballet, the Colorado Performing Arts Festival, Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, Capitol Hill People’s Fair as well as the 2006 CowParade public art display and auction. Our current arts and culture clients include the new Cherry Arts Festival at the Stanley, Breckenridge’s International Snow Sculpture Championships and the Cherry Creek Arts Festival – one of our longest running clients.
Arts and culture events bring people together, spark their imaginations, invite creativity and personal expression. At CSG, we enjoy creating bridges between the arts organizations and businesses through sponsorships that allow for relevant and organic experiences and unique ways for businesses to connect with attendees of these shows. We build win win relationships. Arts organizations rely on revenue from these sponsorships to continue their programming. Corporations and businesses value the opportunity to build a relationship with attendees and the community at large has a wide array of arts and culture programs to enhance their lives. Further, vibrant cultural scenes have a positive impact on the state’s economy and overall quality of life for employees which in turn attracts business to relocate to the Mile High City.
One of our more recent and on-going collaborations is with Arrow Electronics and the Cherry Creek Arts Festival (CCAF). Arrow re-located to Denver a few years ago and wanted to get involved. However, there are not Arrow “products” in stores. They are known as the Innovators always thinking five year’s out. Through some great brainstorming sessions between the CSG team, Arrow’s Corporate Communications visionaries, and the creative leads at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, the Arrow Five Years Out Art Challenge was created as the activation for Arrow Electronics’ presenting sponsorship of the CCAF. It is an international challenge to inspire artists to take the concept of innovation and express what five years out looks to them. Through a competitive selection process, seven finalists are each awarded a $5,000 commission to create a forward-thinking piece. All of the innovative pieces of art are on display at the CCAF in Arrow’s Innovators Club. One of the seven artists is awarded the Innovation Award and a $10,000 grand prize annually.
This is a great example of a global corporation finding a new hometown, supporting an arts organization, inspiring creativity and vision for artists around the world and providing them with real opportunities and recognition while strengthening the cultural fabric of Denver.