Colorado Springs Community Ventures

'skate in the park' - the 2023-2024 season of skate in the park, offered in partnership with the city of Colorado Springs department of parks, recreation and cultural services continued a beloved tradition including public skate and private rentals in which well over 25,000 admissions to the rink november through january. Public sessions alone were up from the year prior with one less operating day. The denver gazette called out skate in the park as one of 10 ice rinks with a mountain view and koaa tv highlighted skate in the park as fueling downtown business success during the season. 'art on the streets' (aots) - the 25th annual art on the streets exhibit featured eight sculptures and four murals, with eight of the artists hailing from Colorado. Just over 2,000 square feet of downtown walls received painted or vinyl mural treatment. The sculpture bloom ii by kasia polkowska from the 2023 art on the streets exhibit was purchased by a private buyer and will be reinstalled in downtown for the enjoyment of all for years to come.to mark the 25th anniversary of art on the streets, a comprehensive directory of nearly 350 works from throughout the program's history was created.the cultural corridor, which shines a spotlight on the diverse contributors to Colorado Springs' history, expanded one more block along pikes peak avenue (from Nevada to weber) and added new banners to herald asian and pacific islander heritage month. A total of 378 banners were hung throughout the year.revel: the urban arts party, a new event, delighted a capacity of 120 people for a multi-course dinner in adaman alley and dozen more for a dance after party. Chefs from downtown restaurants showed off their finest on the menu.three exhibiting artists from demographics typically underrepresented in public art were awarded artist opportunity grant to support creation of their work (in addition to the stipend provided to all artists juried into the show).other Community Ventures program highlights included: first friday, 22,070 patrons enjoyed the monthly art walk at 42 downtown creative businesses.the 39 downtown walking tours and passport event engaged over 1,400 civic leaders, young people, tourist and residents.hundreds turned out for urban living tour, one saturday in august featuring an insider's look into eight multifamily properties, including several newly opened in 2023. The self-guided tour showed off the amenities and lifestyle of downtown's growing residential scene and led to new inquiries and leases at several properties.