In addition to the 1400 Dallas building, ACAD currently receives approximately one-third of its revenue from the City of Aurora in the form of an annual grant. Building rental fees comprise another 30% of income. This support has helped launch and sustain ACAD. The City of Aurora and ACAD collaborate on many initiatives including public art, facility development, beautification of the area and future planning. The City of Aurora also provides support in the form of capacity building. Programming The District is home to three major performance venues, Kim Robards Dance, Vintage Theatre Productions and the Aurora Fox Arts Centre. These venues, along with the 1400 Dallas building, have seen significant audience growth in recent years. ACAD also benefits from many visual artists and DAVA (Downtown Aurora Visual Arts) – an award winning youth art education facility. Over the past four years, the District has seen an annual growth rate in visitors of 48%. The Districtʼs high quality performing arts venues and theatre companies, along with DAVA, are a driving force behind growth.
Artistic Community and Demand
The studios at 1400 Dallas are full. There is waiting list of 14 artists who are searching for studio/ gallery space in the District. Over the last few years, many emerging groups (Theatre Esprit Asia, Ignite, 5280 Artists Co-op, etc.) have made their homes in the District. Other regional groups regularly utilize ACAD partners and the 1400 Dallas space to present their work. This demand suggests a growing and positive reputation in the local artistic community.
Diversity
The District and surrounding area are home to significant socioeconomic, racial and cultural diversity. ACAD and its many partners (Project Worthmore, 5280 Artist Co-op, Tonos Latinos, etc.) are actively engaged and highlight the diversity in this unique community. 80010, 80011, 80012 are some of Coloradoʼs most diverse zipcodes). The district has worked hard to engage these groups in programming and participation in the arts and culture district-wide. Recent and Potential Area Development ACAD is developing strategies to leverage recent development in the area, including the Stanley Marketplace. The Peopleʼs, Friendʼs and Pasternackʼs buildings could serve as additional creative locations, broadening District offerings and helping to meet current demand. The City of Aurora ArtSpace study will explore potential for artists’ live/work space in the years ahead.
