LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT + CEO TAMARA NUZZACI PARK
Dear Friends,
People come to Breckenridge to feel inspired. In 2025, Breck Create invoked that rare feeling through our creative experiences focused on community, culture, and connection – in our historic studios, on our streets and trails, in our schools, and in shared moments of creation and celebration. Beyond the numbers in this report, the true impact of this work is reflected in the words and experiences of the people we serve.
This past year, Breck Create advanced key economic, social, and cultural goals. BIFA welcomed 18,000 attendees, with 72% traveling to Breckenridge specifically for the festival, thanks to the Town and Breck Create’s investment in SPARK. Cirque Mechanics July 4 programming helped drive a 29% increase in visitor trips year over year, while upgrades to the Riverwalk Center and Breckenridge Theater strengthened the community’s capacity to deliver high-quality events that build business. Revenue diversification continued, reducing Town funding reliance from 81% to 66% since 2019, supported by record fundraising in 2025 through A Creative + Culinary Affair.
Equity, accessibility, and sustainability remained central. Half of all public offerings were free, and 60 programs were bilingual or Spanish-language, including the expanded Día de Muertos + Latin Festival, which welcomed 3,000 attendees. More than 1,100 youth participated in arts education programs, environmental efforts diverted 2,000 pounds of plastic through the Precious Plastics Studio, and all visiting exhibiting artists in Old Masonic Hall identified as women, LGBTQ+, and or people of color.
Breck Create also strengthened collaboration across the Arts District through program partnerships, artist employment opportunities, and the launch of the Arts District Management Committee. The Board of Directors now represents a wide range of community voices – including arts nonprofits, education, business, hospitality, finance, and civic leadership – and provides strategic insight and deep commitment to Breckenridge’s arts ecosystem rooted in the District as civic infrastructure.
At its heart, this work is about people. It is about creating spaces where inspiration can happen – a child discovering creativity for the first time, an artist finding opportunity, neighbors connecting to each other in this remarkable place we call home. That spirit has always been what makes Breckenridge special, and what has inspired me throughout my more than decade of service to this community.
Thank you to our artists, partners, staff, board members, and Town leaders whose passion and collaboration shaped Breck Create into what it is today. It has been an honor, and my joy, to lead this organization. While leadership changes, Breck Create’s commitment to delivering inspiring creative experiences remains steadfast. I look forward to joining you in my new role – as an audience member and as a student of Breck Create.
With gratitude,
IMPACT AT A GLANCE
40,400
Attendees engaged across all public offerings. 12% increase from 2024.
1,123
Youth served through school-based education and community events
1,410
Public offerings including classes, open gallery days, performances and festivals. 50% Of public offerings provided free of charge
26 Programs and events addressing environmental stewardship
60 Programs offered in Spanish or bilingual formats
100%
Of visiting artists exhibited in Old Masonic Hall are women, LGBTQ+, and/or people of color.
205 Artists hired across performances, exhibitions, workshops and community programs
37 Community partners, venue users and program collaborators
MISSION
To deliver inspiring creative experiences that enrich the quality of life and quality of place for all who live, work or play in Breckenridge.
VISION
To see Breckenridge as a dynamic year-round creative community.
VALUES
1. Excellence and relevance
2. Engagement and interactivity
3. Diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility
4. Collaboration, cooperation and communication
5. Respect for our natural environment
GOALS*
1. To increase participation and community ownership in Arts District programs and events.
2. To maintain and grow the local creative community
3. To strengthen the Breckenridge Arts District brand, increase visibility of partner contributions and align with other community-based marketing strategies
4. To operate the Arts District at a level that demonstrates pride of place
5. To nurture a sustainable and dynamic organization that can reasonably respond to community need
WHAT WE DO
1. Operate venues and provide SERVICES to enable commercial and non-profit organizations to use Town of Breckenridge cultural assets
2. Produce and provide PROGRAMS such as performances, classes, community events, festivals and exhibitions to complement offerings of other organizations
Core Programs:
• Breckenridge International Festival of Arts
• Dia De Muertos + Latin Festival
• Exhibitions
• Classes + Workshops
• Special Events: AirStage, Block Parties, July 4th
• Arts Education + Youth Programming
• Public Art
BRECKENRIDGE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF ARTS
Over ten days, immersive installations and performances activated venues, trails, and public spaces, connecting thousands of residents and visitors through shared moments of joy and discovery.
Key partnerships with Breck Film and Breckenridge Backstage Theatre brought Breckenridge’s stories to life—from Breck Rewind, an archival film experience celebrating the town’s living history, to the debut of The Great Divide, a new folk-inspired musical rooted in Colorado’s past. Nature-centered experiences were central, like Ciügaboc, a playful, forest-based installation that invited families to slow down, explore, and reconnect with the natural landscape.
SPARK
Thanks to additional support provided by Town of Breckenridge, locals and visitors enjoyed a quiet, awe-filled alternative to traditional fireworks which honored Breckenridge’s Dark Sky certification.
130 EVENTS OVER 10 DAYS
18,000 ATTENDEES (63% INCREASE FROM 2024 ATTRIBUTED TO SPARK)
5
LOCAL TRAILS ACTIVATED WITH 9 ENVIRONMENTAL ART INSTALLATIONS
70 ARTISTS FEATURED 72% OF VISITORS TRAVELED TO BRECKENRIDGE SPECIFICALLY FOR BIFA (Post-festival survey, Intercept Insight)
2.3 MILLION SOCIAL MEDIA REACH WITH SPARK
DÍA DE MUERTOS + LATIN FESTIVAL
The Día de Muertos + Latin Festival brought the Arts District to life with a vibrant, two-day celebration honoring Latin American culture, remembrance, and community connection. Families and neighbors gathered among towering calaveras by artist Cal Duran, papel picado–lined walkways, and a shared community ofrenda to honor loved ones who have passed. The festival opened with Juan Fuentes’ exhibition Lo que La Tierra Abraza and a candlelight vigil featuring traditional Aztec dance, and continued with hands-on artmaking, live music, and the largest Latin artisan market to date. Rooted in togetherness and gratitude, the festival celebrated the traditions, creativity, and vital contributions of Summit County’s Hispanic and Latin communities, strengthening cultural understanding and belonging across the region.
3,000 TOTAL ATTENDEES OVER TWO DAYS
100 CANDLES CARRIED DURING THE COMMUNITY VIGIL
20 LATIN ARTISAN VENDORS FEATURED
“For another country to represent me and the things I know is so special.”
100% OF PROGRAMS PRESENTED FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
100%
PROGRAMMING PRESENTED IN BOTH ENGLISH AND SPANISH
4
PARTNERSHIPS WITH CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS:
Mountain Dreamers, Chicano Humanities Arts Council, MSU Denver Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies, and Mexican Cultural Center
“This event made me want to stay in Summit County.”
“This
really
gave
me
the feeling of being home.”
EXHIBITIONS
Our exhibitions in Old Masonic Hall reflected two central community values: environmental stewardship and social equity. Local, regional and national artists explored themes of land, identity, belonging, and resilience through a wide spectrum of artistic mediums, lived experiences and community drivenprojects. From Indigenous and diasporic perspectives to immigrant narratives and multigenerational community expression—including local instructors and Summit County students—these exhibitions centered both local and global stories while inviting audiences into thoughtful dialogue about what we carry, what we protect, and how we imagine a shared future.
OUR RIVER FLOWING FROM OUR EYES: CAMILLE HOFFMAN AND GYUN HUR
December 20, 2024 – March 16, 2025
BRECK CREATE INSTRUCTOR + SUMMIT EXHIBITIONS: WHAT DO YOU WANT TO PROTECT?
April 4–27, 2025
ANNA TSOUHLARAKIS: IRRATIONAL INDIGENOUS INSIGHTS
May 24 – August 31, 2025
JUAN FUENTES: LO QUE LA TIERRA ABRAZA / WHAT THE LAND EMBRACES
October 17, 2025 – January 4, 2026
4
Major exhibitions presented
18
Artists featured, including local, regional, national, and international voices
26
Community engagement activities (artist talks, workshops, school collaborations)
273
Days of free public access to exhibitions
Throughout the year, Breck Create continued offering popular classes in ceramics, metalsmithing, glassblowing, painting, and sewing, while expanding textile-based offerings with Modern Geometric Weaving, Sashiko Mending: Japanese Embroidery, and the community-focused Crafter’s Circle. New art-inspired movement classes were introduced at Old Masonic Hall, including Alchemy Flow and Ecstatic Dance, and a special Art + Wellness Retreat featuring watercolor instruction, yoga, meditation, and movement.
4,950 LBS OF CLAY USED
2,862 FEET OF GLASS RODS USED IN THE GLASSBLOWING CLASSES
CLASSES + WORKSHOPS PRECIOUS PLASTICS STUDIO
229 GLASS PENDANTS CREATED
12 PINTS OF PAINT SPLATTERED AND SPREAD IN THE QUANDARY ANTIQUES YOUTH STUDIO
New hands-on workshops—including Plastic Planters, Plastic Mosaics, Re-Makers Learning Lab, and Upcycled Shot Skis—invited the community to transform recycled plastic into functional art. The studio also welcomed local students for field trips and collaborative projects exploring recycling, design, and environmental stewardship. To support the program’s future growth, Breck Create partnered with artist collective Thing Thing to assess the studio’s safety, functionality, and long-term potential.
2,000 LBS OF PLASTIC DIVERTED
2,225 LBS TRANSFORMED INTO CREATIVE WORKS
22 PLASTIC COLLECTION EVENTS
“I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand how even the smallest interactions with the Precious Plastic program can have a big impact. One of my favorite moments is when individuals make meaningful lifestyle changes. Collecting plastic to recycle makes people look at their consumption in the face. I had a patron who made the switch from disposable plastic coffee cups after seeing the stack he had brought to collection.”
- Precious Plastic Coordinator Nicole Sletta
AIRSTAGE APRÈS + BLOCK PARTIES
We added two new special AirStage Après editions celebrating Breck Pride and Juneteenth, featuring regional acts May Be Fern and The Reminders. These additions strengthened community connection and broadened representation, while other performers were Summit County–based, reinforcing our commitment to local talent. The launch of the nearby Farmer’s Market also added a vibrant new layer to Thursday nights.
2,200+ RESIDENTS & VISITORS GATHERED ACROSS 10 EVENINGS
“I love seeing so many locals and guests gather each week. The community vibe is strong while dancing and laughing with neighbors.”
41
COLORADO MUSICIANS FEATURED
COUNTLESS FRUITS & VEGGIES CONSUMED FROM THE FARMER’S MARKET
4TH OF JULY
Fourth of July reached new heights with the addition of Cirque Mechanics, whose high-energy performances electrified downtown throughout the day. Highlights included a sold-out chalk art competition, a standing-room-only Dog Fashion Show on Ridge Street Arts Square, and the debut of an artist market—alongside beloved traditions like the Main Street parade, the Firecracker 50 bike race, and the fire truck spray.
3,000+ ESTIMATED PARTICIPANTS FOR CIRQUE MECHANICS AND RIDGE STREET ARTS SQUARE ACTIVITIES
20 DOGS STRUTTED THE RUNWAY IN A PACKED DOG FASHION SHOW
29%
INCREASE IN VISITOR TRIPS COMPARED TO JULY 4, 2024
(SOURCE: BTO DATAFY DASHBOARD)
“The people around me were so joyful.”
Educator Feedback
“We never have enough Spanish speakers here — thank you for organizing this [bilingual] program.”
ARTS EDUCATION & YOUTH PROGRAMMING
Breck Create continued providing opportunities for young artists through on-campus classes and school-based arts education across Summit County. Youth programs on the Ridge Street Arts Square included favorites such as Toddler Art + Play, Muddy Buddies: Clay Sculpture for Kids, and Young Creatives Club. In partnership with local schools, Breck Create brought artists and instructors directly into classrooms.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED:
• Artist-in-residence Jodi Stuart introducing students to sustainable design and technology through 3D pens and the Precious Plastics studio
• Photographer Juan Fuentes leading in-school storytelling photography workshops
• Artist Cal Duran guiding elementary students in creating traditional Ojo de Dios weavings for display during the Día de Muertos + Latin Festival.
GRADES
K–12
REACHED ACROSS SUMMIT COUNTY 7 SUMMIT SCHOOLS SERVED
300
OJO DE DIOS CRAFTS MADE BY ELEMENTARY STUDENTS
Educator Feedback
“It is fun to see the kids who never thrive at sports thrive with this craft.”
PUBLIC ART
In 2025, Breck Create advanced the stewardship of the Town of Breckenridge’s public art collection by partnering with Pacific Coast Conservation to conduct a comprehensive assessment of artworks under Breck Create’s oversight. The evaluation identified conservation and maintenance priorities that will be addressed through a phased, three-year preservation plan. The first phase began in July, with conservation work completed on several key sculptures throughout town, including Isak Heartstone, Toro, Sack Race, Tom’s Baby, Steel Drawing for Cooper, and Mr. Barney Ford. This work ensures that Breckenridge’s public art remains well maintained, accessible, and preserved for the community and visitors to enjoy for years to come.
33 pieces in the public art collection
6 pieces preserved in phase one of the conservation plan
#1 question at the Breckenride Welcome Center: “Where’s the troll?”
VENUE MANAGEMENT:
FACILITIES + EVENT SERVICES
Breck Create operates five major cultural venues, encompassing 14 buildings, to support use by local arts nonprofits, community-based organizations and Breck Create. In partnership with the Town of Breckenridge’s Facilities Department, which manages physical maintenance, Breck Create oversees each venue’s operational infrastructure and performance capabilities, safely welcoming tens of thousands of patrons each year. Breck Create also provides shared services on behalf of the Town, including ticketing and registration, production support, and technical system maintenance.
VENUES + RESIDENT COMPANIES
• RIVERWALK CENTER, home of the National Repertory Orchestra
• BRECKENRIDGE THEATER, home of Breckenridge Backstage Theatre Company
• ECLIPSE MOVIE THEATER, home of Breck Film
• ARTS DISTRICT CAMPUS, 1-acre block of historic structures turned to art studios
• OLD MASONIC HALL, art exhibition space and ticket office
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
In-Kind Venue Usage + Event Services Generously Underwritten by the Town of Breckenridge Provided To:
• Breckenridge Backstage Theatre Company
• Breck Film
• Breckenridge Tourism Office
• National Repertory Orchestra
• Breckenridge Fly Fishing Film Tour
• Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center
• Carriage House Early Learning Center
• The Dance Collective Company
• Domus Pacis Family Respite
• Lean on Us (Formerly Peace Alights Initiatives)
• St. Mary Catholic Church
• Snowy Peaks High School
• Summit Concert Band
• Summit County Pet Food Pantry
• Summit Dance Fund
• Summit Foundation
• TEDx Breckenridge
In 2025, the Town of Breckenridge invested in and Breck Create completed major planned technical upgrades at both the Riverwalk Center and the Breckenridge Theater. These improvements included significant enhancements to sound, lighting, and production systems, ensuring both venues remain high-quality, technically advanced spaces for artists and audiences alike.
$555,000
RIVERWALK CENTER
• Audio, Video, and Lighting Replacement & Upgrades
• Complete new Concert Audio System and control
• Complete new Stage Lighting system and control
• New network video system infrastructure, playback, and switching
$110,000
BRECKENRIDGE THEATER
• Lighting, Wireless mic systems and Projection Screen Replacement & Upgrades
• New Stage Lighting Instrumentation, Cable, and Accessories
• New wireless microphone systems
• New portable rear projection cinema screen
A CREATIVE + CULINARY AFFAIR
SOLD OUT EVENT
Breck Create’s annual fundraising event, A Creative + Culinary Affair, returned for a third year in 2025 as a sold-out celebration of food, art, and community on the Ridge Street Arts Square. Guests enjoyed inspired tastings from many of Breckenridge’s top restaurants and chefs, culinary demonstrations—including a featured demo by Matt Vawter—along with interactive art activities and surprise circus performances throughout the evening. Live music from Jacob Herold Band of Frontiersmen filled the AirStage with their folky jazz sound, adding to the festive atmosphere. The event brought together local culinary talent, artists, and supporters for a vibrant night of creativity and connection, raising critical funds to support Breck Create’s free youth and arts education programs.
320 GUESTS
20 LOCAL CHEFS
3 POP-UP CIRCUS ACTS
AUCTION REVENUE DOUBLED FROM 2024 $130,000 NET REVENUE ($40,000 INCREASE YEAR OVER YEAR)
“My favorite food event of the year.” — Chef Matt Vawter
MARKETING & REACH
5K (+281.7%)
INSTAGRAM CONTENT INTERACTIONS
Content interaction nearly tripled by the number of likes, comments, and shares compared to 2024.
3.2K (+397.1%)
ORGANIC SOCIAL WEBSITE TRAFFIC
Our content strategy nearly quadrupled the traffic driven directly from social platforms to our website.
1.2 M (+284.1%)
FACEBOOK VIEWS
Our digital footprint in the region has tripled.
This high-volume visibility created 15.1K link clicks, turning passive viewers into active engagement.
62.1% (+42.8%)
AVERAGE EMAIL OPEN RATE
Of the 482K total sent in 2025, this rate is nearly triple the arts industry average*, with a minimal 0.2% unsubscribe rate.
11K (+2,226.0%)
SPARK PAGE VIEWS
The SPARK event page saw a surge in traffic, proving a community appetite for new programming and high-concept event digital content.
24K (+132.1%)
“BUY TICKET” CLICKS
Demand is at an all-time high. This surge in clicks demonstrates purchase intent.
38K (+74.4%)
NEW AUDIENCE ACQUISITION
Our brand awareness efforts are working. Nearly 75% of our total traffic consists of brand-new visitors, successfully expanding our reach.
1M 50S (+24.5%)
AVERAGE CONTENT ENGAGEMENT DEPTH
Visitors aren’t just clicking and leaving; they are staying. This confirms our storytelling and event descriptions are successfully resonating.
**Data Comparison
Note: All growth percentages and performance metrics reflect a Year-Over-Year (YoY) comparison between the 2025 reporting period and the corresponding timeframe in 2024. Industry benchmarks are based on 2024–2025 national averages for the “Arts, Entertainment, and Media” sectors as reported by leading email service providers (Campaign Monitor and Mailchimp), which currently track at a 20.4%–26.2% average open rate.
MARTIN CARTER CHAIR
GERI GASPERUT VICE CHAIR
DAVE RATNER SECRETARY
JOSE ESPINO TREASURER
SARA COX
LAURA DZIEDZIC
STEVE GERARD TOWN COUNCIL
STAFF BOARD
EMILY CARLSON PATRON SERVICES MANAGER
JAE COWEN
CAMPUS EXPERIENCE COORDINATOR
LESLEY GREGORY
SHANNON HAYNES TOWN MANAGER
MAYA KULICK
JENNIFER MCATAMNEY
KIMBERLY SALMON
TIM WEST
TAMARA NUZZACI PARK EX OFFICIO
AARON CROSS
PRODUCTION MANAGER + HEAD OF AUDIO
JILL DESMOND
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS + CAMPUS EXPERIENCE
“One of the most rewarding aspects of serving on the Breck Create board is seeing how deeply the arts are woven into the fabric of this community. The creativity, dedication, and collaboration among our staff, artists, and partners continue to make the Breckenridge one of the most vibrant and creative hubs in the Rockies.”
— Martin Carter, Board Chair
NEAL KERR
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF VENUES + TECHNOLOGY
SUSAN LYON SENIOR DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION
JILL MAREK MANAGER OF CAMPUS EXPERIENCE
GRACE MARINO DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
KARLIE MCLAUGHLIN
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS
KEN MILLER DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION
TAMARA NUZZACI PARK PRESIDENT + CEO
ROB PHIPPS
FACILITIES MANAGER + LEAD PREPARATOR
NICOLE SLETTA
PRECIOUS PLASTIC COORDINATOR
DANIELA VELTRI
LEARNING + ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT
Since COVID, Breck Create has carefully managed its reserve funds to create a five-year runway to rebuild the organization and test revenue driving initiatives. FY25 Operations ended better than expected and near breakeven. Strategic use of reserves supported pilot programming to drive economy (SPARK) and strengthen community impact (Precious Plastics) as well as organizational improvements (Financial Capability Upgrade Project).
The appendix includes an unaudited Statement of Financial Position (Appendix A), P&L Summary (Appendix B), and Allocation Report (Appendix C) as of December 31, 2025. Breck Create’s 2025 audit is being conducted by accounting firm Taylor Roth and will conclude in June 2026.
INCOME / 2019 VS. 2025
Our financial goal is to maximize earned and contributed revenue in support of established organizational goals (see page 4) in consideration of facility capacity and regional market constraints while minimizing public subsidy. Since 2019, the percentage of total revenue supported by the Town of Breckenridge has decreased from approximately 81% to 66%, reflecting meaningful growth in grants, sponsorships, earned revenue, philanthropy, and community partnerships.
2025 TOWN OF BRECKENRIDGE FUNDING
Facilities Repayment
Of the $2,507,000 grant provided by the Town of Breckenridge, Breck Create repays $410,162 back to the Town for some of its facility costs, reducing the net operating grant to $2,096,838 supporting venue management and programming.
Special Projects
After the 2025 grant was approved in October 2024, two special projects emerged through the Town’s Events Committee. Supplemental funding was approved post-budget cycle to enhance animation for July 4th and destination-driving programming SPARK during BIFA, a traditionally lower occupancy period during the summer months.
Town Funding Summary
EXPENSE / 2025
Overview of Direct Costs
Direct Cost by Program
FULLY ALLOCATED COST OF PROGRAMS, VENUE MANAGEMENT + ADMINISTRATION
The 2025 Allocation Report (Appendix C) shows revenue and expense allocated across four main areas of the business: Programming, Event Services, Facilities, and Administration. Expenses are direct costs with personnel costs allocated based on estimated time and effort each staff position spends in each functional area –Programming (50%), Event Services (34%), Facilities (6%), and Administration (10%). All contributed revenue from individual donations, corporate sponsorships and grants is assumed to support programming. The Town grant is assumed to cover total Facilities and Event Services costs net of earned revenue and Administration with the remainder of $717,317 allocated to Programming.
$795,271
Event Services: costs necessary to enable community use of venues such as ticketing, etc.
$727,059 Facilities: costs necessary to maintain physical infrastructure such as HVAC, etc.
$1,522,330 Total cost of Venue Management
Overview of Fully Allocated Costs
Fully Allocated Cost by Program Area*
Town Grant Allocated+
Total Town Program Grant Allocated by Program Area
