BCA Year in Review | 2016

BRECKENRIDGE CREATIVE ARTS

YEAR IN REVIEW | 2016 HIGHLIGHTS + ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Vision, Mission and Values Profile + Overview Strategic Priorities Leadership By the Numbers Venues + Programs Core Activities Milestones Financial Health

01 02 03 05 06 08 11 13 16

Partnerships + Alliances Management + Governance Challenges + Opportunities Planning + Development The Future Fun Facts Media Coverage Acknowledgments

19 20 21 23 25 27 29 30

BRECKENRIDGE CREATIVE ARTS VISION Our vision is to see Breckenridge as a world-leading creative destination.

MISSION Our mission is to promote Breckenridge as a vibrant, year-round creative destination by developing inspiring collaborative experiences that attract visitors and enrich the lives of our citizens.

VALUES To achieve our vision and mission we are guided by the following values: • Excellence and Relevance • Engagement and Interactivity • Diversity and Inclusion • Collaboration, Cooperation and Communication • Respect for our Natural and Cultural Environment

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PROFILE + OVERVIEW Steeped in culture and heritage, the Town of Breckenridge provides a unique mix of creative opportunities for people of all ages and interests. Generations of artists, makers, musicians and writers have chosen to live in or visit this beautiful Rocky Mountain destination, its inspiration reflected in their work. Through visual and performing arts, heritage and museum activities, craft education, culinary and healing arts, design, film and literature, the community offers a scenic mountain environment with diverse opportunities for individual self-expression and cultural exploration.

Breckenridge Creative Arts leads the creative economic development of the Town of Breckenridge by: •

Cultivating the town’s cultural assets and promoting the community as a leading year-round creative destination

•

Supporting and collaborating with local artists, organizations and businesses that are mission-aligned and foster mutually beneficial relationships

•

Maintaining exceptional venues for resident companies, special event partners, promoters and rental groups

•

Presenting high-quality performing arts events and visual arts exhibitions

•

Providing education and community engagement opportunities with a focus on art-making experiences and opportunities for creative play

•

Curating and organizing public art projects, culture walks, studio visits and residency programs.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Breckenridge Creative Arts supports and serves artists, creatives, cultural enthusiasts, tourists and the community by providing a year-round schedule of performances, exhibitions, screenings, classes, workshops, and other engagement opportunities within the five cultural facilities that BCA manages and operates, including multiple studio workspaces on the one-acre Breckenridge Arts District campus.

The five primary goals from BCA’s strategic and operational plan are: •

To extend and enhance the experience of the ‘recreation visitor’ through creative offerings that differentiate Breckenridge from other recreational destinations

•

To attract the ‘creative visitor’ to Breckenridge who has not considered the town as a destination

•

To enhance the creative experience of our residents

•

To optimize the town’s investment in the creative assets we manage and maintain

•

To build an independent, financially sustainable organization

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“ The sky’s the limit at BIFA — and

that’s mighty high in Breck. ” - Westword

LEADERSHIP Board of Directors Michael Lundin, Chair Marsha Cooper, Vice Chair Deb Kelleher Spiers, Secretary + Treasurer Mark Burke, Council Representative (Jan-Mar) Lindsay Eland Amy Evans Rick Holman, Ex-Officio

Felice F. Huntley Elisabeth Lawrence, Council Representative (Apr-Dec) Bob Lowe Kenneth Nelson Robb Woulfe, Ex-Officio

Standing Committees Community Engagement Committee Finance + Audit Committee Governance + Nominations Committee Public Art Advisory Committee

Committee Members from the Community (beyond BCA Board) Janis Bunchman** Laura Dziedzic* Paul Finkel* Belinda Galiano* Leigh Girvin* Beth Groundwater* Joanne Hanson* Darci Hughes* Ireland King*

Tom Kramer** Donna Miller** Jen Morgan* Cindy Reese* Jason Rodon* Carl Scofield** Mara Sobeck** Vince White-Petteruti* Tony Wilson**

*Community Engagement Committee

**Public Art Advisory Committee

Management Team + Staff Robb Woulfe, President + CEO Rachael Anderson, Studio Assistant Kate Ankeny, Studio Coordinator Jenn Cram, Director of Public Programs + Engagement Saam Golgoon, Director of Operations + Facilities Matthew Karukin, House Manager Reese Kempter, Public Information Assistant Neal M. Kerr, Director of Production + Technical Services Susan Lyon, Director of Administration + Sales Ken Miller, Event Production Manager Becca Spiro, Director of Learning + Innovation Dana Wissmiller, Patron Services Manager

Credits + Consultants GatherHouse, Design + Publications Fresh Consulting, Website Development NRPR, Public Relations Erica Marciniec, Content Writer Liam Doran Photography, Photography House of Signs, Signage Pioneer Printing, Printing Lisa Gamber, CPA, Accounting Services Yanari Watson McGaughey PC, Auditors + Tax Advisors BRECKENRIDGE CREATIVE ARTS

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BY THE NUMBERS

BCA PARTICIPANTS*

60,000+

100%

PEOPLE

11 BOARD MEMBERS + 8 FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES + 4 PART-TIME EMPLOYEES + 4 SEASONAL EMPLOYEES + 70 INSTRUCTORS + 24 ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE + 18 NON-BOARD COMMITTEE MEMBERS + 200+ VOLUNTEERS

ARTS DISTRICT PROGRAMS

776 WORKSHOPS | 2,030 CLASS PARTICIPANTS |

210%

236%

12,806 CAMPUS PARTICIPANTS** |

177%

EVENTS BY ADMISSION TYPE

200+ FREE OPEN STUDIOS @ ARTS DISTRICT 12 FREE CONCERTS @ ARTS DISTRICT + 24 FREE CONCERTS @ TRAILS

6 FREE OUTDOOR MOVIES @ ARTS DISTRICT 4 FREE CREATIVITY CRAWLS @ DOWNTOWN 5 TICKETED BIFA EVENTS @ RIVERWALK CENTER

10 FREE CONCERTS @ RIVERWALK CENTER 10 TICKETED ‘BCA PRESENTS’ EVENTS @ RIVERWALK CENTER

FACILITIES 5 CULTURAL VENUES 7 RESIDENT COMPANIES

ARTS DISTRICT CAMPUS BRECKENRIDGE BACKSTAGE THEATRE BRECKENRIDGE CREATIVE ARTS BRECKENRIDGE THEATER BRECKENRIDGE FILM FESTIVAL

OLD MASONIC HALL RIVERWALK CENTER

BRECKENRIDGE HERITAGE ALLIANCE

SPEAKEASY THEATER

NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA

BRECKENRIDGE MUSIC FESTIVAL BRECKENRIDGE TOURISM OFFICE

DIGITAL + SOCIAL CONNECTIONS 260,972 WEBSITE PAGEVIEWS |

57%

66,723 WEBSITE USERS OF BRECKCREATE.ORG | 75%

60,243 FACEBOOK ENGAGEMENTS | 9,143 FACEBOOK ‘LIKES’ |

42%

136%

1,557,756 FACEBOOK TOTAL REACH |

28%

2016 PARTNERS

5280 • BEAVER RUN RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTER + BRAIN INJURY ALLIANCE OF COLORADO • BRECKENRIDGE BACKSTAGE THEATRE BRECKENRIDGE BREWERY • BRECKENRIDGE CRAFT SPIRITS FESTIVAL BRECKENRIDGE FILM FESTIVAL • BRECKENRIDGE HERITAGE ALLIANCE BRECKENRIDGE MUSIC FESTIVAL BRECKENRIDGE RECREATION CENTER BRECKENRIDGE TOURISM OFFICE • CONTINENTAL DIVIDE LAND TRUST COLORADO ART EDUCATION ASSOCIATION COLORADO CREATIVE INDUSTRIES • COLORADO FOLK ARTS COUNCIL • GATHERHOUSE • HOUSE OF SIGNS • KSMT • KUNC • KYSL • LIAM DORAN PHOTOGRAPHY • META YOGA STUDIOS • METROPOLITAN STATE UNIVERSITY DENVER MOUNTAIN LIVING • NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE • NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA • ST. ANTHONY SUMMIT MEDICAL CENTER SUMMIT COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL • SUMMIT DAILY NEWS • THE SUMMIT FOUNDATION • TOWN OF BRECKENRIDGE • TV8 SUMMIT TELEVISION *Includes BCA ticket buyers, class registrants and attendees to admission-free events. **Includes BCA class registrants and attendees to admission-free campus events.

Note: Percentages reflect year-over-year growth from 2015 to 2016.

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VENUES + PROGRAMS One of BCA’s primary responsibilities is to manage the Town’s five cultural arts venues, including: •

Riverwalk Center, which hosts the entire summer repertoires of the Breckenridge Music Festival Orchestra and the National Repertory Orchestra, in addition to a full schedule of visiting bands, musicians, and multimedia events

•

Breckenridge Theater, home to the resident theater troupe, Breckenridge Backstage Theatre, while also serving as an intimate performance space for a variety of other cultural arts offerings

•

Breckenridge Arts District, a campus of seven renovated historic structures that accommodate a year-long schedule of multidisciplinary arts and craft classes, and serve as studio space for local and visiting artists

•

Old Masonic Hall, a recently renovated historic building on Main Street that serves multiple functions as an exhibition space and location for visual and performing arts classes

•

Speakeasy Movie Theater, housed in the recently renovated brick schoolhouse that now serves as the Breckenridge Grand Vacations Community Center & South Branch Library

These venues are used by a number of longstanding cultural organizations in the Breckenridge creative community, including the Breckenridge Backstage Theatre, Breckenridge Film Festival, Breckenridge Heritage Alliance, Breckenridge Music Festival and National Repertory Orchestra.

In recent years the Town of Breckenridge has invested more than $25 million into these venues, including building out the Breckenridge Arts District campus; converting the historic schoolhouse into the new Breckenridge Grand Vacations Community Center and Summit County South Branch Library, which includes the Speakeasy Theater; acquiring and renovating Old Masonic Hall; upgrading the Riverwalk Center facility and equipment; and renovating the Breckenridge Theater.

To maximize these assets, BCA plans additional programming for the Town’s venues, both in partnership with and independent of the cultural partners who use these spaces. BCA aims to present multidisciplinary work that cuts across music, dance, film, spoken word, literary and visual arts, education, and the creative and technology sectors. It seeks out bold, relevant programming that engages its community as a creative partner, offers artistic experiences that reflect its time and place, invites audience co-creation and hands-on involvement, and showcases Breckenridge’s global identity.

“ The art scene is one of the best

off-the-beaten-path aspects of Colorado, and one of the destinations that’s quickly establishing itself as more than just a ski town is Breckenridge. ” - MiLLENNiAL Magazine

“ The town of Breckenridge is the

place to be for unique artistic and cultural events for the summer. �

- Mountain Living

CORE ACTIVITIES Fine Art and Studio Craft Curriculum A program that focuses on year-round education and enrichment on the Breckenridge Arts District campus, including classes, workshops and open studios in media such as painting, textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and more.

Artist-in-Residence A program designed to offer artists the time, space and community to encourage growth and experimentation in their respective practice. Guest artists are chosen on the basis of artistic merit, and live and work on the Breckenridge Arts District campus for approximately two-to-four weeks.

Additionally, BCA offers affordable studio space to local artists.

BCA Presents A series of ticketed concerts, lectures and performances with national and international talent at the Riverwalk Center.

BCA Curates A program of temporary exhibitions, installations and pop-up art events in studios and creative spaces within the Breckenridge Arts District; as well as the acquisition, conservation, and preservation of the growing Town of Breckenridge public art collection; and festivals, exhibitions, and special events that feature curated content.

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“ The Breckenridge International

Festival of Arts is now an official summer tradition, bringing a variety of top-notch performers to the town for a sprawling show of visual arts, music and movement. �

- The Denver Post

2016 MILESTONES Jan 2016

BCA begins its second year of operations as an independent, non-profit organization with an annual budget of $2.46M. BCA presents Chris Robinson Brotherhood at the Riverwalk Center.

BCA hosts the first quarterly BREW: Ideas + Creation Lab, a salon series that provides thought-provoking discussion for and among creative professionals.

BCA co-presents the International Snow Sculpture Championships in partnership with the Breckenridge Tourism Office.

BCA presents the second annual Fire Arts Festival, a 4-day exhibition featuring burning sculptures and fiery performances on the Arts District campus. Presented in conjunction with the International Snow Sculpture Championships.

Feb 2016

BCA co-presents the Colorado Music Convergence, a 3-day gathering and showcase hosted in Breckenridge for indie artists, bands and music industry professionals from across the state.

Presented in partnership with Mishawaka Amphitheatre, SpokesBUZZ and Colorado Creative Industries.

Mar 2016

BCA presents The Revivalists at the Riverwalk Center.

BCA introduces MakeShift, a monthly makers’ night featuring free workshops and other DIY-inspired activities on the Arts District campus.

BCA hosts the spring edition of the quarterly Creativity Crawl, an event promoting creative businesses in downtown.

BCA presents mountaineer Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner, the first of three annual National Geographic Live speaker events at the Riverwalk Center.

Breckenridge is ranked No. 4 small-to-medium city in the National Center for Arts Research’s 2016 Arts Vibrancy Index.

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Apr 2016

BCA presents filmmaker Pete McBride, the second of three annual National Geographic Live speaker events at the Riverwalk Center.

BCA presents Ozomatli at the Riverwalk Center.

BCA hosts the second quarterly BREW: Ideas + Creation Lab, a salon series that provides thought-provoking discussion for and among creative professionals.

BCA presents Lucinda Williams at the Riverwalk Center.

May 2016

BCA receives notification that Breckenridge has been selected to be the host city for the 2017 Creative Industries Summit, presented by Colorado Creative Industries.

BCA presents wildlife photographer Steve Winter, the third of three annual National Geographic Live speaker events at the Riverwalk Center.

BCA and the Town open the newly remodeled Breckenridge Theater, a $2.55M capital project that increases the building’s square footage and seating capacity, upgrades the facility equipment and improves a number of patron amenities within the venue.

Jun 2016

BCA receives notification of grant funding from The Summit Foundation in support of BCA’s annual Dia de los Muertos festival, with a cash award of $10K. BCA presents the inaugural WAVE: Light + Water + Sound, a 4-day festival of contemporary public art featuring illuminated sculptures, projections and digital art on the riverfront. Highlights include installations by Jen Lewin, Kaz Shirane, Ryan Patrick Griffin, Erin V. Sotak and Vera Amaya.

BCA co-presents the Blue River Series at the Riverwalk Center in partnership with the Breckenridge Music Festival.

BCA receives notification that the Breckenridge Arts District has been designated a Colorado-Certified Creative District by Colorado Creative Industries, with an award package valued at $30K. BCA co-presents the annual Town Party at the Riverwalk Center in partnership with the Town of Breckenridge.

BCA hosts the summer edition of the quarterly Creativity Crawl, an event promoting creative businesses in downtown.

BCA presents Sculpture on the Blue, a rotating outdoor sculpture exhibition that takes place on the Blue River Plaza.

BCA presents Art Around Town, a series of free, guided walking tours focusing on the Town’s public art collection.

BCA presents the second season of LateNite @ the District, a free, weekly outdoor movie series that takes place on the Arts District campus. Presented in partnership with the Breckenridge Film Festival.

Jul 2016

BCA presents the second annual Street Arts Festival, a 3-day celebration of street, pavement and graffiti arts featuring outdoor murals, installations and workshops on the Arts District campus.

Presented in conjunction with the Town’s July Fourth weekend celebration.

BCA co-presents the annual July Fourth festivities at the Riverwalk Center in partnership with the Town of Breckenridge.

BCA hosts the third quarterly BREW: Ideas + Creation Lab, a salon series that provides thought-provoking discussion for and among creative professionals.

Aug 2016

BCA presents the second annual Breckenridge International Festival of Arts (BIFA), a 10-day multi-arts celebration. Highlights include L’Homme Cirque, Maya Beiser, Calexico, and The Moth Mainstage with Colorado premieres by John Luther Adams, Elizabeth Streb, Close-Act Theatre and Tasha Lewis.

Sep 2016

BCA receives the 2016 Governor’s Tourism Award for Outstanding Community Tourism Initiative.

BCA hosts the fall edition of the quarterly Creativity Crawl, an event promoting creative businesses in downtown.

BCA and its Public Art Advisory Committee complete a rewrite of the Breckenridge public art master plan.

Oct 2016

BCA presents The Devil Makes Three at the Riverwalk Center.

BCA completes lighting, sound and staging upgrades to the Arts District campus.

BCA hosts the fourth quarterly BREW: Ideas + Creation Lab, a salon series that provides thought-provoking discussion for and among creative professionals.

BCA presents the third annual Dia de los Muertos celebration. The 3-day event features free workshops, performances and art installations on the Arts District campus. Presented in partnership with The Summit Foundation, MSU Denver and Colorado Folk Arts Council.

BCA installs three new pieces into the Town’s permanent public art collection: Sack Race by Jane Rankin, Prowlin’ by Parker McDonald and Toro by Fred Zietz.

Nov 2016

BCA hosts a variety of weekend workshops on the Arts District campus in conjunction with the Colorado Art Education Association’s annual conference.

BCA implements rigging and mechanical upgrades to the Riverwalk Center.

BCA presents An Evening with Garrison Keillor at the Riverwalk Center.

Dec 2016

BCA hosts the winter edition of the quarterly Creativity Crawl, an event promoting creative businesses in downtown.

BCA presents An Evening with Kevin Smith at the Riverwalk Center.

BCA presents Handmade Holiday, an annual winter open house on the Arts District campus.

Presented in conjunction with the Lighting of Breckenridge.

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FINANCIAL HEALTH Breckenridge Creative Arts is working diligently to broaden its base of support, diversify its funding portfolio, and strengthen its business model. We continue to engage in long-term planning for resource development and are committed to introducing new revenue streams in the coming years, with particular attention being paid to opportunities for income growth that are aligned with BCA’s programs and artistic development.

With a tailwind of solid operating performance in 2016 and a strengthening balance sheet, BCA’s financial position is sound and continues to be actively monitored to ensure delivery within budgeted resources.

During this past year, our board and staff instituted stronger financial controls, improved internal communications, and tightened fiscal policies and procedures. Specifically, we implemented detailed quarterly accrual reporting, a data-driven approach to forecasting that has greatly improved accuracy, and a more disciplined budget management process.

Looking forward, we will continue to develop, execute and refine BCA’s strategic plan to better reflect the lessons we have learned these past two years of operations. Our financial strategies will focus on striking a realistic balance between earned and contributed revenue expectations, shoring up cash flow, and expanding our resources in order to deepen the impact of our programs as well as take advantage of new business opportunities as they arise.

2016 REVENUES (Forecast $2.37M)

2016 EXPENSES (Forecast $2.37M)

Contributed Revenue: 81%

Town of Breckenridge

5%

Facility Maintenance

2%

Corporate, Foundations + Individuals

8%

Utilities + Custodial

5%

IT Support + Systems

Earned Revenue:

42%

Program Support

11%

Ticket Sales + Class Registrations

24%

Artist Expenses

4%

Facility Rentals

7%

Production

1%

Concessions + Merchandise

11%

Marketing

1%

Other Income

40%

Management + Administration

*BCA’s financial statements and financial position are audited annually in accordance with accepted U.S. auditing standards. The firm of Yanari Watson McGaughey, PC performs the annual audit and issued an unqualified opinion on BCA’s fiscal year 2015 financial statements.

“ Breck is also known for

its vibrant arts scene. �

- Texas Lifestyle Magazine

“ Competing for summer tourists in

the mountains is big business, and Breckenridge has come up with an interesting strategy: big art. �

- The Denver Post

PARTNERSHIPS + ALLIANCES Curatorial Breadth + Engagement Embracing innovation in all of the disciplines it supports, BCA is an organization specializing in creativity.

Amidst the stunning vistas and spectacular landscape of Breckenridge, it is BCA’s hope that visitors and residents will find an interdisciplinary arts environment allowing them to exchange ideas and find collaboration and inspiration in the most unique of places.

BCA promotes artistic experiences that are in keeping with the beliefs, values, and ideals of the Breckenridge community, in an effort to honor and strengthen the sense of Breckenridge as a place. Thus BCA programming often highlights the striking natural beauty of the high country, or juxtaposes contemporary themes with the historic backdrop of Breckenridge. It seeks to interpret environmental themes, or invite collaboration between audiences of all ages and cultural backgrounds. These thematic narratives underlie all BCA programming.

A multi-layered programming team guides BCA’s artistic vision and curatorial framework. An experienced team of arts professionals shapes the artistic quality of programming selected to ensure the highest international standard while truly reflecting the unique character of Breckenridge.

A curatorial matrix helps to guide programming selection. In addition to high artistic merit, considerations for artist selection include: how the artist or presentation furthers the mission of the organization; budgeting and finance; ability of the artist or presentation to attract a broad audience; potential for audience development and engagement activities; potential for artist or presentation to secure underwriting; and competition in the marketplace.

The planning team also works closely with BCA’s Community Engagement and Public Art Advisory Committees, two volunteer-based groups comprised of local artists, educators and creative entrepreneurs, to ensure that the organization achieves a balance between presenting the best national and international programming to Breckenridge audiences and incubating opportunities for local artists and cultural organizations.

Collaboration + Advocacy In addition to its self-produced and presented programs, BCA serves as an umbrella and advocacy organization, working to leverage and grow artistic and creative assets and resources throughout Breckenridge. In an effort to involve the community comprehensively in its mission and to draw on the strengths of its peer creative community, BCA frequently collaborates with local artists, organizations and businesses that offer relevant programming, services and support. These community-based alliances foster diversity, inclusion and growth.

Examples of programming collaborations in 2016 include a number of co-presentations with resident companies and/or member organizations within the Breckenridge Cultural Coalition, including Breckenridge Film Festival, Breckenridge Music Festival, Breckenridge Tourism Office and National Repertory Orchestra.

In addition, BCA partners with other regional and statewide non-profits including Colorado Art Education Association, Colorado Creative Industries, Colorado Folk Arts Council and Summit County Arts Council.

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Accessibility + Inclusiveness An underlying tenet of BCA programming is accessibility—an ethos reflected in the numerous free events, affordable ticket pricing policy, scholarship opportunities, and broad geographic reach. Audiences include a wide cross section of the greater Summit County community, including children, teens, young adults, families, and senior citizens; as well as the many tourists and day visitors who travel to Breckenridge each year. BCA seeks to provide artistic experiences that are relevant to its diverse audiences, and to forge bonds between individuals and institutions to help create a community that is engaged in creative activity across the board.

The BCA planning team also works closely with the Community Engagement and Public Art Advisory Committees, two volunteer-based groups comprised of local artists, educators, and creative entrepreneurs, to ensure that the organization achieves a balance between presenting the best national and international programming to Breckenridge audiences and incubating opportunities for local artists and cultural organizations.

Producing + Presenting Partnerships BCA programming involves several different kinds of relationships: BCA presentations (in which BCA is responsible for all expenses and revenues); co-presentations and co-productions (shared expenses, revenues and risk); and resident company presentations (no cost to BCA, but may involve the operational resources of BCA such as box office, front of house staff and production support).

Producing and presenting partnerships are a critical and valued part of BCA’s ability to deliver its annual program within its current resources. However, they impose artistic limitations. As BCA matures, increased financial resources will be required to provide a greater degree of artistic autonomy.

Beyond the curatorial and audience development benefits, commissions and co-productions are significant catalysts for securing financial contributions from governments, foundations, and presenters outside of Breckenridge. These types of initiatives are extremely time intensive, requiring considerable planning and human resources. To assess the net cost of any given endeavor, benefits are weighed against a project’s needs and the organization’s capacity to meet them.

MANAGEMENT + GOVERNANCE Breckenridge Creative Arts is managed by a professional team under the leadership of President and CEO Robb Woulfe, the chief administrator of the organization. With collaboration as a core operating tenant, Woulfe and his team work with town leadership, resident companies and other facility users to advance BCA’s mission, strengthen partnerships, and cultivate new and existing community connections.

Rounding out the BCA’s senior management team are Jenn Cram (Director of Public Programs and Engagement); Saam Golgoon (Director of Operations and Facilities); Neal Kerr (Director of Production and Technical Services); Susan Lyon (Director of Sales and Administration) and Becca Spiro (Director of Learning and Innovation). In addition, numerous part-time, seasonal and contract employees complete the organizational staffing structure.

BCA is governed by an 11-member board of directors. Led by Chairman Michael Lundin, the full board meets monthly and is comprised of a diverse group of local professionals, civic leaders and philanthropists.

Members serve on committees for community engagement, finance and audit, governance and nominations and public art. The board’s primary responsibilities are to define strategic vision, develop policy and ensure fiscal soundness of the organization.

CHALLENGES + OPPORTUNITIES BCA’s challenge over the coming years will be to continue to balance short-term operational needs with long-term strategic goals. Overarching priorities to help guide and focus the work of BCA include: • • • • • •

Delivering innovative and diverse programming Deepening community engagement Implementing economic models that result in sustainable operations Further enhancing the brand and reputation of BCA Nourishing positive relationships with local, regional and national creative partners Building organizational capacity and capabilities

In support of the BCA strategic plan drafted in 2014, the board of directors initiated multiple planning sessions in 2016 to update and refine BCA’s programming strategy. The planning team was made up of board members and staff, who referenced best practices in strategic planning from both nonprofit and for-profit environments to develop the strategy refinement.

With an emphasis on BCA serving as curator and producer of “big art,” “social art” and “intimate art” experiences, this year’s planning sessions resulted in the following decisions: •

•

•

•

The BCA programming strategy will focus on the performing and visual arts to generate experiences of spectacle and wonder, emphasizing narratives of place and use of public space The secondary programming focus will be on the emerging screen arts and differentiating word and ideas Programming for craft media and music will be sustained and refined to enrich the Breckenridge experience BCA will compete on the basis of superior product innovation, which will drive operating and capital investment.

Some of our major programming goals for the immediate future include amplifying our signature festivals by introducing an even greater variety of attractions, from the latest shows touring the international festival circuit, to cutting-edge interactive experiences, to large-scale community arts projects. These will help us to achieve our vision and mission by making a name for Breckenridge on a global scale, attracting creative tourism while at the same time enriching the lives of our citizens. Other “big art” initiatives include new permanent public art acquisitions, as well as temporary or ephemeral installations that animate public spaces and strengthen creative placemaking. We will seek out programming that is meaningful to our visiting and local communities by exploring new experiences in the areas of “social art” and “intimate art,” and search the world for intriguing, site-specific cultural experiences that will showcase Breckenridge’s contemporary, global identity. Additionally, as new needs and interests arise, we will develop programming and arts installations that speak to those needs, helping us to evolve together as a creative community.

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“ The installation is part of BIFA’s

growing festival of art, music, theater and dance that’s suddenly making the mountain town a worthy cultural destination in summer. ” - The Denver Post

PLANNING + DEVELOPMENT Programs Numbers of presentations, performances or available seats are not the only measure of growth.

Growth can also be seen in the nature of certain programming choices—how they further BCA’s mission, while fostering a deeper engagement with audiences and other stakeholders. Priority will be given to innovations such as BIFA, WAVE, thematic focuses, and initiatives that involve BCA acting as an animator, commissioner and producer.

Audiences As a new organization, BCA is in the process of implementing measurement strategies to capture its impact, including collecting and analyzing demographic and market-related data regarding its audience. BCA will continue to pursue both the development of a stronger level of engagement and loyalty amongst its current patrons, and to appeal to a wider breadth of audiences in the future.

Infrastructure The resources required to sustain BCA in staffing, marketing and contracted services have been expanding to support operations. Consistent and appropriate levels of staffing are required to best ensure current and future plans can be effectively carried through to fruition.

Capital Improvements To remain competitive and also support BCA’s programming goals, the assets of facilities, equipment and systems will need continued upgrades to meet the growth and changing needs of venue users and to further enhance the guest experience.

Budget In order for BCA to strengthen and grow the breadth and depth of its programs, it needs to develop a more diversified funding portfolio and a strong base of support. In the coming years, BCA looks to build earned revenue capacity and maximize funding potential from government, foundations and the private sector.

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“ Visitors to Breckenridge, Colorado

are in for a treat this summer, as the WAVE: Light + Water + Sound contemporary public art exhibition makes its debut. �

- Curbed

THE FUTURE In the two years since it began operations, Breckenridge Creative Arts has achieved the major aims of the Town of Breckenridge, which had the foresight to form and fund an independent non-profit organization to take over management of its existing cultural facilities while re-envisioning arts programming for a new era.

Not only do Town arts venues continue to serve the needs of partner organizations, but many facilities have seen upgrades and renovations under BCA’s management, representing the culmination of the Town’s long-term capital project goals, and creating additional opportunities for modern, innovative programming.

In turn, BCA’s original programming, combined with collaborations with partner groups, have breathed new life into Breckenridge venues and public spaces, laying the groundwork for achieving our vision of making Breckenridge one of the world’s premiere creative destinations. In two short years, BCA has emerged as a creative entrepreneur, unveiling innovative festivals that feature massive spectacle art, environmental installations, interactive experiences, and cutting-edge new media that have captured the imagination of locals and guests alike.

Not only do BCA festivals, exhibitions, and programming invite creative tourism that financially benefits Breckenridge businesses, workforce, and Town tax revenue, they enhance community livability by animating public spaces in a way that encourages interaction and community-building, while growing pride of place in Breckenridge. BCA’s inventive programming illustrates how the arts can transcend aesthetics to impact a wide range of community goals—from increasing outreach to underserved groups; leveraging historical, environmental, and public assets to benefit the local economy; to inviting discussion on topics that impact communities today.

In BCA’s second year of operations, we aimed to continue our strong governance practices, comprehensive financial management, and discipline for long-term planning, while also building on our successes by presenting a wide array of program offerings to engage, surprise and excite residents and visitors.

Our achievements to date represent an exemplary group effort made possible by the collaboration of many partners—from dedicated community volunteers, longstanding local arts groups, and Town departments to local and national supporters. Looking forward, BCA aspires to broaden its base of support through additional partnerships, philanthropic collaborations, funding from state and national agencies, and private donors. Increased funding from the Town would help BCA enhance its already successful programs, continue the work of building infrastructure for the organization, and increase our capacity to grow the Town’s creative sector.

Pioneered by the Town of Breckenridge, the BCA approach is at the forefront of public arts thinking, and a shining example of the myriad benefits to be gained from investing in an innovative and compelling public arts program.

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FUN FACTS 50,000 BCA ‘HAPPENINGS’ CATALOGS

DISTRIBUTED ANNUALLY

22,514 TICKETS SOLD TO SUMMER CONCERTS AT THE RIVERWALK CENTER

20,000 LUMENS REQUIRED TO PROJECT RYAN PATRICK GRIFFIN’S DIGITAL ARTWORK ON THE RIVERWALK FACADE, PART OF WAVE

2,250 PIECES OF CHALK USED FOR SIDEWALK CHALK CONTEST

AT STREET ARTS FESTIVAL 2,000 CYANOTYPE BUTTERFLIES IN ‘THE SWARM’ BY TASHA LEWIS, PART OF BIFA

300 MIRRORED PANELS

IN ‘LIGHT ORIGAMI’ BY KAZ SHIRANE, PART OF WAVE

70 RED PAINTED CHAIRS

IN ‘TWO ROADS’ BY

KONSTANTIN DIMOPOULOS, PART OF BIFA

48 MUSICIANS PERFORMING IN ‘SILA: THE BREATH OF THE WORLD’

ON THE RIVERWALK LAWN, PART OF BIFA

31 ARTWORKS CONTAINED IN THE TOWN’S PERMANENT PUBLIC ART COLLECTION

15 LOCAL YOUTH DANCERS WHO PERFORMED IN STREB’S ‘SEA’, PART OF BIFA

8 COLLABORATIONS WITH RESIDENT COMPANIES,

PART OF BCA FESTIVALS + SPECIAL EVENTS

7 TIMES A CERTAIN PRESIDENT/CEO

‘MISPLACED’ HIS PHONE DURING A BCA EVENT

5 STORYTELLERS FEATURED IN THE MOTH MAINSTAGE, PART OF BIFA

3 SPEAKERS FEATURED IN THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE SERIES

1 CREATIVE DISTRICT CERTIFICATION FOR THE BRECKENRIDGE ARTS DISTRICT!

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“ Denver’s already known for its public art,

but Breckenridge is the first city in the Centennial State to host a festival devoted to public art. ” - 5280

MEDIA COVERAGE Breckenridge Creative Arts generated hundreds of thousands of earned media impressions through its highly visible media relations efforts, including over 50 editorial placements in television, radio, magazine, newspaper and web outlets.

Source: MeltWater BRECKENRIDGE CREATIVE ARTS

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Breckenridge Creative Arts is grateful to the many contributors whose gifts provide vital resources for our programs. Listed below are the businesses, media organizations and government agencies whose support is indispensable to our work.

Founding Partner

Government + Foundation Partners

Program Partners

Lodging Partner

Creative Partners LIAM DORAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Media Partners

supports the supports the

Community Partners + Resident Companies Breckenridge Backstage Theatre | backstagetheatre.org Breckenridge Film Festival | breckfilmfest.org Breckenridge Heritage Alliance | breckheritage.com Breckenridge Music Festival | breckenridgemusicfestival.com Breckenridge Tourism Office | gobreck.com National Repertory Orchestra | nromusic.com Special thanks to photographers Liam Doran, Timothy Faust/The Moth, Carl Scofield and Jenise Jensen for the use of their images.