It was just two decades ago that Colorado Gov. Bill Owens eliminated arts funding from the state budget altogether. On Monday, Gov. Jared Polis signed a 2024-25 fiscal budget that boosts state funding by a full 50% over last year.

Polis’ latest budget adds $1.25 million to Colorado Creative Industries’ next fiscal budget. That’s the official name of the state’s arts office, which hasn’t had a funding increase of any kind in more than a decade. CCI’s budget, which is funded by gaming revenue, has been set by statute at a flat $2 million annually since 2013.

The increase is additionally significant because CCI also receives matching federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, which only become eligible to individual states when they have state funding in place. Federal funds can only be matched up to the state’s contribution. This current fiscal year, the NEA provided CCI with $900,000, or about 47% of its state appropriation. 

“This funding increase means that the governor’s office and state legislature recognize the critical role the arts play in Colorado’s economy, and in our quality of life,” said CCI Director Joshua Blanchard. “To me, it feels like this investment reinforces those values.” 

In addition, Polis approved a one-time investment of $500,000 to support CCI’s Creative Districts program, which (to date) has designated 30 specific areas around the state where arts, culture and design strategies are implemented to spur economic, physical and social change.

Still, Colorado currently ranks just 46th in the nation in state arts funding, or about $0.35 per capita. That’s dead last among Western states.

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that arts and cultural production accounts for $16.9 Billion and 3.9% of the Colorado economy, contributing 102,383 jobs.