RiNo Art District was recently honored with two 2021 Governor’s Awards for Downtown Excellence by the Downtown Colorado, Inc. (DCI), a statewide nonprofit organization that provides a strategic methodology for revitalizing the local economy in Colorado communities. RiNo Art District received the People’s Choice Award for public realm master plans and Best Pandemic Response – Financial Aid for micro-grant funding provided to artists, creators and small businesses in the district through its RiNo Support Fund.
“These two projects are a great example of the different ways RiNo Art District is working to support our community and build the needed infrastructure to maintain a safe, vibrant and welcoming creative district,” said Tracy Weil, executive director of RiNo Arts District. “We’re honored to be among the recipients of the Governor’s Awards for Downtown Excellence and look forward to celebrating with our fellow award winners at this year’s showcase event.”
People’s Choice Award – Public Realm Master Plans
Over the past two years, in partnership with The City and County of Denver and internationally renowned design firm Sasaki, RiNo Art District developed public realm master plans for four critical streets in the western portion of the district aimed at creating safe, walkable and complete streetscapes that reflect the culture and character of their respective neighborhoods. Click here to learn more about these master plans. (Below image: Chestnut Pl streetscape rendering)
Best Pandemic Response – Financial Aid
The RiNo Support Fund was created in 2020 to provide financial support to the community in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic in the form of micro-grants between $500 and $2,500. In total, RiNo Art District donated over $200,000 to 170 of artists and businesses in its first round. RiNo Art District was able to extend the program for 2021 and is currently reviewing applications for the next round of funding. (Above image: Larimer St closures during pandemic)
Winners of the Governor’s Awards for Downtown Excellence will be recognized at the Downtown Excellence Award Winner Showcase on Thurs., July 8 at 4:30 p.m. in Denver. The live event will feature recorded presentations of each winning project that can be shared virtually while allowing the DCI family to network in person. Register here to sign up for the event (virtually or in-person).
