“While there’s enthusiasm in Boulder County for the arts themselves – in terms of audience attendance and general interest – there’s less support in terms of charitable contributions.”
Retired in September from his position as Executive Director of the Dairy Arts Center – a grantee of the Community Foundation – Bill Obermeier shared his perspective on the state of the arts and culture in Boulder County.
After five years in his role overseeing the facility – which houses visual and performing arts spaces, the Boedecker Theater cinema, and major renovations, including the Gordon Gamm Performance Theater – Bill understands first-hand the crucial influence of Boulder voters who approved Issue 2A in 2014, and the need to prioritize individual and corporate donations.
“As the Dairy has grown and become a relevant part of an increasing number of lives, the cost of operating the Dairy has increased, as well,” he was quoted recently in the Daily Camera. “The fear of not being able to cover expenses is not only real, but seemingly unending.” As such, he called on Boulder to include a line item in its budget to support operations at the center. He also encouraged individual donors to continue or increase their support.
“It’s an exciting time in the arts in Boulder and Boulder County,” he shared with the Community Foundation. “There is a higher level of consciousness regarding the important role of the arts in our community, and in communities across the country.
“Yet there’s talk of decreasing funding for the arts on a national level. The more people become aware of this fact, the better – that the City of Boulder has increased its budgets to the Boulder Arts Commission, which gives out grants to local artists, is very exciting and encouraging. We’re moving in the right direction.”
Bill further notes the high quality of arts available here in Boulder County – and beyond – and the increasing number of artists and arts organizations. “On the theatrical side, for example, very impressive work is being done here,” Bill says. “Many of our individual local artists and sculptors are working nationally and internationally, too.
“As well, in every category of music, we have some of the finest musicians – also at CU Boulder – who tour all over the world. And we have a fine modern dance company. The quality of artistic offerings in Boulder and Boulder County is truly exciting.”
Of course, there are challenges, too – and there’s room for improvement.
Continues Bill, “While there’s enthusiasm in Boulder County for the arts themselves – in terms of audience attendance and general interest – there’s less support in terms of charitable contributions.
“In a sense, we’re in competition with human services organizations that tend to pull more at people’s heartstrings. There are so many meaningful nonprofits in Boulder County that it can be difficult for people to prioritize their giving.
“But to keep our arts community going, it needs support, too. The arts and culture aren’t self-sustaining. We need the support of local governments and the public, and the City of Boulder hasn’t committed itself to making sure that the arts are sustainable and affordable: that’s our biggest need.”
Bill further cites the significance of the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts. “They meet once a year and fill 900 seats at the DCPA, giving out awards to businesses who have been supportive of the arts. Why? Because there’s a demonstrable ROI.”
Indeed, according the Community Foundation’s newly-published Boulder County TRENDS Report, the arts in the Denver Metro area have an estimated economic impact of more than $500M, annually.
“The vibrancy of the arts in the Denver area is cited as the major reason why Millennials come here. So there are economic, as well as cultural, impacts to consider. But in Boulder County, there isn’t that much interest in the business community to support the arts.
“It’s important to provide a better understanding to businesses about how they can better connect to this community when they support the local arts and culture. We don’t have many Gordon Gamms in our community who are willing to step up and fill the gap.”
