Boulder’s NoBo Art District earns state certification from Gov. Polis as a Colorado Creative District

North Boulder’s arts scene has been officially recognized: The NoBo Art District has been certified as one of Colorado’s newest Creative Districts, joining a statewide network of 37 communities designated by Governor Jared Polis and Colorado Creative Industries.

Other state-designated Creative Districts include RiNo Art District in Denver, Downtown Fort Collins Creative District, and Longmont Creative District.

The certification marks a major milestone for the North Boulder community, which has grown from a cluster of studios and galleries along Broadway into one of Boulder’s most visible creative hubs. The recognition also comes with statewide promotion, access to new funding opportunities and even fancy new highway signage from the Colorado Department of Transportation.

“This certification is an incredible honor and a reflection of the creative energy that fuels North Boulder,” said Liz Compos, NoBo Art District’s executive director, in a press release Thursday. “For years, our artists, businesses and neighbors have worked together to build a community that celebrates imagination and connection.”

The City of Boulder first named the area the NoBo Art District in 2017, after calling it out two years earlier in Boulder’s Community Cultural Plan as a “neighborhood to watch.” Since then, the city has been offering grants, research help, and other behind-the-scenes support that’s helped turn a scatter of artistic spaces into one of North Boulder’s strongest creative corners.

To celebrate the new designation, NoBo is throwing its annual Party for the Arts on Nov. 22. The celebration will have all the good stuff: live music, performances, a silent auction, food, drinks and a pop-up gallery. Money raised will go toward matching a $10,000 grant from Colorado Creative Industries, helping to fund next year’s events and public art, according to the press release.

More details can be found at noboartdistrict.org.