BCA Year In Review | 2017

BRECKENRIDGE CREATIVE ARTS

YEAR IN REVIEW | 2017 HIGHLIGHTS + ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Vision, Mission + Values President’s Letter Profile + Overview Strategic Priorities Board + Committees Management Team + Staff By the Numbers Venues + Programs Core Activities Milestones

01 02 04 05 07 08 10 12 15 17

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

20 23 24 25 27 29 30 33 34

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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PRESIDENT’S LETTER 2017 was a pivotal year for Breckenridge Creative Arts.

As we reflect on our major accomplishments of 2017, the word that comes to mind is resolute. We began the year with ambitious plans—to continue featuring globally renowned artists and signature festivals that set Breckenridge apart as a world-class creative destination; to grow our partnerships and collaborations; and to conduct a major overhaul of our organizational structure, underpinned by strategic planning and bolstered by operational improvements, to build our capacity to sustain this work for years to come. We undertook these tasks with sincerity and perseverance, and are proud to report the year’s earnest successes.

In 2017, Breckenridge Creative Arts: • • • • •

• • •

Developed methodology and tools to measure qualitative program impact Measured estimated economic impact of programming Tested expanding regional reach through digital marketing Upgraded ticketing platform to latest version and introduced scanner technology Developed internal and external approaches to enhance programming, financial and human resource capabilities Deepened relationships with sister programs through co-presentations and co-commissions Established maintenance plan for the public art collection Implemented ongoing BCA programs, including signature festivals, campus curriculum and other activation events

Like our town, BCA has grown in confidence, sophistication and scope. Our vision for a bold and innovative contemporary arts program that inspires, stimulates and unites our diverse community continues to mature, resulting in heightened experiences that encourage creative collaboration among people from all walks of life. Our work aims to capture the pioneering spirit of the West, while transforming our historic townscape into a uniquely charming, welcoming place that connects and showcases Breckenridge to the world, attracting visitors while nourishing Colorado’s cultural and imaginative life.

This year Breckenridge was ranked the nation’s most arts-vibrant small community by SMU’s National Center for Arts Research. I am thrilled to celebrate this designation with my colleagues at BCA, the Town of Breckenridge, and the entire creative community. We send our very best wishes to everyone involved in BCA’s success this year.

Robb Woulfe President + CEO

“ Breckenridge is on the cusp

of becoming a global creative arts destination.�

- Colorado Expressions

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 a sustainable, fiscally-responsible organization capable of delivering independent and Town of Breckenridge-funded creative programming

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“ BreckCreate aims a little higher than the usual mountain-town arts organization, taking simple ‘festivals’ to new levels.”

- Westword

BOARD + COMMITTEES Board of Directors Deb Kelleher Spiers, Chair Marsha Cooper, Vice Chair Kenneth Nelson, Secretary + Treasurer Michelle Bushey Lindsay Eland Amy Evans Debra Fox Rick Holman, Ex-Officio Felice F. Huntley Elisabeth Lawrence, Council Representative Bob Lowe 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) Jim Alexander* Janis Bunchman** Laura Dziedzic* Leigh Girvin* Beth Groundwater* Brett Howard* Darci Hughes** Ireland King* Tom Kramer** Donna Miller** Joyce Mosher* Brian Raitman* Cindy Reese* Jason Rodon* Carl Scofield** Vince White-Petteruti* Tony Wilson** *Community Engagement Committee **Public Art Advisory Committee

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MANAGEMENT TEAM + STAFF (as of 12/1/17) Staff Robb Woulfe, President + CEO Andy Bennett, Production + Technical Services Manager Nicole Dial-Kay, Director of Exhibitions + Special Projects Saam Golgoon, Director of Facilities + Technology Matthew Karukin, Venue + Artist Relations Manager Justin Lane, Ticketing Systems + Services Manager Dennis Lucero, Senior Director of Operations + Guest Experience Susan Lyon, Senior Director of Finance + Administration Ken Miller, Director of Events + Production Joyce Mueller, Studio Assistant Liz Mullen, Ticketing Services Coordinator Gale Potter, Ticket Office Attendant Alayna Ring, Intern Paige P. Scheuermann, Studio Assistant Becca Spiro, Director of Learning + Engagement Mia Tarduno, Programs Coordinator Nikolaus Weiss, Ticket Office Attendant Vicky Young, Studio Assistant

Instructors + Studio Techs Rachael Anderson Sarah Bott Nancy Branca Erin Barry Greg Bushey Jared Clauer Sonya Dalrymple Karen Fischer Chris Hosbach

Phil Lindemann Ryan Matthews Kia Neill Kristina Nethaway Kimberly Nicoletti Mindy Regner James Russick Smith Ashlie Weisel

Docents Kyle Armstrong Cecilia (Cece) Daniels Nancy Karklins Ashley Mahs Lo Mathews

Joyce Mueller Sharon Smith Maureen Shields Jane Tarlow Wendy Wilkerson

Credits + Consultants GatherHouse, Design + Publications Fresh Consulting, Website Development weShine, Digital Marketing Services NRPR, LLC, Public Relations Erica Marciniec Davis, Content Writer Carl Scofield Photography, Jenise Jensen Photography, Joe Kusumoto Photography, Liam Doran Photography, Photography TV8 Summit, Ford Fisher Productions, Videography House of Signs, Sign Language XL, Signage Pioneer Printing, Printing Lisa Gamber, CPA-Accounting Services Watson Coon & Associates, PC-Auditors + Tax Advisors BCA recognizes and thanks former staff members Rachael Anderson, Kate Ankeny, Jenn Cram, Reese Kempter, Neal Kerr and Dana Wissmiller for their contributions to 2017.

“ [BIFA] presents another

good excuse to visit Breckenridge in August.”

- 5280

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BY THE NUMBERS

BCA PARTICIPANTS*

60,000+

PEOPLE

12 BOARD MEMBERS + 10 FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES + 6 PART-TIME EMPLOYEES + 5 SEASONAL EMPLOYEES + 10 DOCENTS 54 INSTRUCTORS + 15 ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE + 17 NON-BOARD COMMITTEE MEMBERS + 200+ VOLUNTEERS

PROGRAMS

778 CLASSES @ ARTS DISTRICT 240 OPEN STUDIOS @ ARTS DISTRICT 3,840 CLASS/OPEN STUDIO STUDENTS 45 FREE DOCENT-LED PUBLIC ART TOURS 345 PUBLIC ART AUDIO TOUR LISTENERS 32 FREE CONCERTS @ TRAILS/RIVERWALK CENTER LAWN

6 FREE OUTDOOR MOVIES @ ARTS DISTRICT

3 FREE CONCERTS @ RIVERWALK CENTER 7 TICKETED BCA PRESENTS EVENTS @ RIVERWALK CENTER

5 TICKETED BIFA EVENTS @ RIVERWALK CENTER

SIGNATURE EVENT IMPACTS** 12,531 WAVE PARTICIPANTS $394,000 EST. REVENUE TO TOB

9,971 BIFA PARTICIPANTS $404,000 EST. REVENUE TO TOB

1,000 DDLM PARTICIPANTS $18,000 EST. REVENUE TO TOB

DIGITAL + SOCIAL CONNECTIONS***

258,945 WEBSITE PAGEVIEWS 79,609 WEBSITE USERS 21,035 E-ZINE READERS 988 INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS 11,005 FACEBOOK LIKES 43,018 FACEBOOK ENGAGEMENTS

1,158,874 FACEBOOK TOTAL REACH

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

SALES + TRANSACTIONS****

$1,248,010 GROSS SALES 40,208 TICKETS SOLD 60% OF TICKETS SOLD ONLINE

2017 PARTNERS

BEAVER RUN RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTER • BRECKENRIDGE BACKSTAGE THEATRE • BRECKENRIDGE BREWERY • BRECKENRIDGE CRAFT SPIRITS FESTIVAL • BRECKENRIDGE FILM FESTIVAL • BRECKENRIDGE HERITAGE ALLIANCE • BRECKENRIDGE MUSIC FESTIVAL BRECKENRIDGE RECREATION CENTER • BRECKENRIDGE SKI RESORT BRECKENRIDGE TOURISM OFFICE • BUILDING HOPE • COLORADO ART EDUCATION ASSOCIATION • COLORADO CREATIVE INDUSTRIES COLORADO FOLK ARTS COUNCIL • COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE DENVER ART MUSEUM • EPIC PROMISE • FAMILY & INTERCULTURAL RESOURCE CENTER • HIGH COUNTRY CONSERVATION CENTER KEYSTONE SCIENCE SCHOOL • KSMT • KUNC • KYSL • META YOGA STUDIOS • MEXICAN CULTURAL CENTER • MSU DENVER’S JOURNEY THROUGH OUR HERITAGE • MOUNTAIN LIVING • MTN TOWN • OUT FRONT • NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE • NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA • SCOTTSDALE PUBIC ART • SUMMIT COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL • SUMMIT DAILY NEWS • TELMUNDO DENVER • THE SUMMIT FOUNDATION • TOWN OF BRECKENRIDGE • TV8 SUMMIT TELEVISION * Includes BCA ticket buyers, class registrants and attendees to admission-free events indoors and outdoors ** From Intercept Insight reports *** From 1/1-12/4/2017 **** From Audience View ticketing system for BCA, resident companies and third-party promoters (from 1/1-12/4/2017)

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 spaces 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 and 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 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.

“ If you long for a total arts-immersion experience in the glorious Rockies, Breck is the place to be this year.�

- Westword

“ Rapidly, Breckenridge is attaining the ambitious goal it set for itself — ­ of being ‘a national model for creative tourism development.”

- Confluence Denver

CORE ACTIVITIES Fine Art + Studio Craft Curriculum BCA’s fine art and studio craft curriculum 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 BCA’s artist-in-residence program offers regional, national and international artists of all disciplines an opportunity to focus on process rather than product while engaging with the local community in a meaningful way.

BCA Presents BCA Presents is a program of ticketed concerts, lectures and performances with regional, national and international talent.

BCA Curates BCA Curates is a program of temporary installations, interventions and art happenings within the Breckenridge Arts District and other public spaces. It includes the acquisition, conservation and preservation of the growing Town of Breckenridge public art collection, as well as festivals, exhibitions and special events that feature curated content.

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“ The mid-August Breckenridge

International Festival of Arts is a ten-day fête that showcases an eclectic mix of arts and entertainment inspired by Colorado’s alpine culture.”

- Moon Travel Guides

2017 MILESTONES Jan 2017

BCA begins its third year of operations as an independent, non-profit organization with an annual budget of $2.87M. 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 third annual Fire Arts Festival, a four-day exhibition featuring burning sculptures and fiery performances on the Arts District campus. Presented in conjunction with the International Snow Sculpture Championships.

Feb 2017

BCA presents photographer Joel Sartore, the first of three National Geographic Live speaker events at Riverwalk Center.

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

Mar 2017

BCA presents singer-songwriter Donavon Frankenreiter at Riverwalk Center.

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

BCA presents NASA engineer Kobie Boykins, the second of three National Geographic Live speaker events at Riverwalk Center.

BCA presents comedienne Sandra Bernhard at Riverwalk Center, part of the inaugural Breck Pride celebration.

Breckenridge is ranked No. 1 small community in the National Center for Arts Research’s 2016 Arts Vibrancy Index.

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Apr 2017

BCA presents mountaineer Hilaree O’Neill, the third of three National Geographic Live speaker events at Riverwalk Center.

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

May 2017

BCA introduces a self-guided audio tour of the Town’s public art collection narrated by dozens of community voices including local artists, educators and civic leaders.

BCA curates Arts from the Heart, an exhibition of artworks by students from Summit High School at Gallery@SBL in the Community Center and South Branch Library.

BCA hosts the 2017 Creative Industries Summit, presented by Colorado Creative Industries, a convening of hundreds of the state’s creative community leaders, artists and organizations in a celebration of cultural assets.

Jun 2017

BCA receives notification of grant funding from The Summit Foundation in support of BCA’s annual Día de los Muertos festival and the Los Trompos exhibition, with a cash award of $20K. BCA presents the second edition of WAVE: Light + Water + Sound, a four-day festival of contemporary public art featuring illuminated sculptures, projections and digital art on the riverfront. Highlights include installations by Amanda Parer, Tom Dekyvere, Purring Tiger, Andrew Wade Smith and more.

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

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

BCA announces an organizational restructure designed to enhance long-term organizational stability, ensure a seamless customer experience and streamline internal operations.

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

BCA presents the third 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 2017

BCA presents the third annual Street Arts Festival, a three-day celebration of street, pavement and graffiti arts on the Arts District campus. Presented in conjunction with the Town’s July Fourth weekend celebration.

BCA receives notification of grant funding from Colorado Creative Industries in support of BCA’s program evaluation efforts with a cash award of $10K. BCA co-presents the annual July Fourth festivities at 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 2017

BCA presents the third annual Breckenridge International Festival of Arts (BIFA), a 10-day multi-arts celebration. Highlights include the U.S. premieres of works by Craig Walsh and Casus Circus alongside Colorado premieres of works by Héctor Esrawe and Ignacio Cadena, Polyglot Theatre, Close-Act Theatre and more.

BCA partners with the Denver Art Museum to co-promote concurrent Esware + Cadena exhibitions, each inspired by traditional Latin American design and folk arts.

Sep 2017

BCA hosts a community open house on the Arts District campus to kick-off and celebrate National Arts & Humanities Month.

Oct 2017

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

BCA curates Crafting Character, an exhibition of artworks by students from Summit High School at Gallery@SBL in the Community Center and South Branch Library.

BCA presents the fourth annual Día de los Muertos celebration. The three-day event features free workshops, face painting, art installations and community-made altars on the Arts District campus.

Presented in partnership with The Summit Foundation, Epic Promise, MSU Denver, Colorado Folk Arts Council and Mexican Cultural Center.

Nov 2017

BCA receives notification of grant funding from Colorado Tourism Office in support of a marketing campaign promoting creative tourism to Breckenridge in 2018 with a cash award of $25K. BCA presents An Evening with David Sedaris at Riverwalk Center.

Dec 2017

BCA receives notification of grant funding from the National Endowment for the Arts in support of artworks for WAVE and BIFA 2018 with a cash award of $40K. BCA co-presents Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night, a participatory sound art event in partnership with Breckenridge Music Festival. Presented in conjunction with the Lighting of Breckenridge.

BCA curates NOISE, an exhibition of interactive artworks featuring Jordan Knecht and Jonathan Mason at Gallery@OMH in Old Masonic Hall.

BCA hosts Handmade Holiday, a curated showcase of makers and creatives on the Arts District campus.

Presented in conjunction with the Lighting of Breckenridge.

BCA presents Yonder Mountain String Band at Riverwalk Center.

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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 2017 and a strengthening balance sheet, BCA’s financial position is sound and continues to be actively monitored to ensure delivery within budgeted resources.

Looking forward, we will continue to develop, execute and refine BCA’s strategic plan to better reflect the lessons we have learned these past three 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.

2017 REVENUES (Forecast $2.81M)

2017 EXPENSES (Forecast $2.77M)

Contributed Revenue: 81%

Town of Breckenridge

6%

Facility Maintenance

2%

Corporate, Foundations + Individuals

8%

Utilities + Custodial

4%

IT Support + Systems

Earned Revenue:

41%

Program Support

10%

Ticket Sales + Class Registrations

27%

Artist Expenses

5%

Facility Rentals

4%

Production

1%

Concessions + Merchandise

10%

Marketing

1%

Other Income

41%

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 performed the annual audit and issued unqualified opinions on BCA’s fiscal year 2015 and 2016 financial statements.

“ The Breckenridge Arts District is a hub of mountain-inspired creativity.”

- Casual Travelist

“ [BIFA] is high art but with a high-country sensibility.�

- 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.

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 2017 include a number of co-presentations with resident companies and/or member organizations within the Breckenridge Cultural Coalition, including Breckenridge Film Festival, Breckenridge Heritage Alliance, Breckenridge Music Festival and Breckenridge Tourism Office. In addition, BCA partners with other regional and statewide non-profits including Colorado Creative Industries, Colorado Folk Arts Council, Mexican Cultural Center, Family & Intercultural Resource Center, High Country Conservation Center, Keystone Science School 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 tenet, 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 Nicole Dial-Kay (Director of Exhibitions and Special Projects); Saam Golgoon (Director of Facilities and Technology); Dennis Lucero (Senior Director of Operations and Guest Experience); Susan Lyon (Senior Director of Finance and Administration); Ken Miller (Director of Events and Production); and Becca Spiro (Director of Learning and Engagement). In addition, numerous part-time, seasonal and contract employees complete the organizational staffing structure.

BCA is governed by a 12-member board of directors. Led by Chairperson Deb Kelleher Spiers, the full board meets bi-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 over the past two years 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 the concepts of BCA as curator and producer of big art, social art and intimate art experiences, the 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.

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“ …but it’s the [Breckenridge] art scene that really wins out.

The Breckenridge Arts District is worth a trip in itself.”

- Boston Herald

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 foci 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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“ In three short years, the Breckenridge

International Festival of Arts has proven itself one of the best reasons to head toward the Rockies in the summer.” ” - Denver Post

THE FUTURE In its three years of 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 contemporary programming.

BCA’s inventive offerings, alongside 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 premier creative destinations. Already, BCA has gained notoriety as a creative entrepreneur to emulate, with 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 programming also 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 ecological and social topics impacting communities today.

BCA enters its fourth year of operations having completed a major reorganization designed to ensure sustainable operations into the future. We reimagined our exhibition, artist-in-residence and Arts District programs to better meet the needs of local residents and visiting guests, and look forward to populating those with creative experiences that will engage, challenge and inspire our diverse community.

BCA’s achievements are the result of 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. The increased funding commitment from the Town has helped BCA enhance its already successful programs, grow the Town’s creative sector and lay a firm foundation for long-term organizational stability. Additional partnerships, philanthropic collaborations and funding from federal, state and local agencies and private donors, secured in the past year, represent progress toward the ongoing goal to broaden our base of support. At the same time we remain committed to strong governance practices, comprehensive financial management and disciplined long-term planning.

Pioneered by the Town of Breckenridge, the BCA approach remains at the forefront of public arts thinking, offering 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 798,000 DOLLARS ESTIMATED TO

HAVE BEEN GENERATED TO THE TOWN OF BRECKENRIDGE FROM 2017 WAVE AND BIFA FESTIVALS 16,400 FEET OF FLOURESCENT ROPE

USED TO BUILD ‘POLYGONUM 2.0’, PART OF WAVE

6,000 POUNDS OF SAND USED TO WEIGH DOWN THE INFLATABLE

BUNNIES OF ‘INTRUDE’, PART OF WAVE

1,000 WATER BOTTLES

COLLECTED AND USED FOR ‘RECYCLED RAIN’, PART OF WAVE

382 LOCAL K-12 STUDENTS WHO PARTICIPATED IN FIELD TRIPS ON THE

ARTS DISTRICT CAMPUS

182 FACES PAINTED AS FESTIVE SKULLS, MASKS

AND FLOWERS, PART OF DDLM

50 PIECES OF STUDENT ARTWORK FEATURED IN ‘ART FROM THE HEART,

AN EXHIBITION AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER AND SOUTH BRANCH LIBRARY

30 HOURS THAT LOCAL FACES WERE PROJECTED ONTO TREES

DURING U.S. PREMIERE OF

‘MONUMENTS’ BY CRAIG WALSH 27 ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE HOSTED AT THE

ROBERT WHYTE HOUSE AND TIN SHOP

5 AUSTRALIAN ACROBATS PERFORMING IN U.S. PREMIERE OF ‘DRIFTWOOD’

BY CASUS CIRCUS, PART OF BIFA

3 MUSICIANS HOISTED HIGH INTO THE TREES FOR ‘TREE-O’ PERFORMANCES OR ILLINOIS

CREEK TRAIL, PART OF BIFA

1ST PLACE U.S. RANKING FOR BRECKENRIDGE AS AN ARTS-VIBRANT SMALL COMMUNITY IN NCAR’S 2016 ARTS VIBRANCY INDEX!

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“ The town of Breckenridge doesn’t take its designation as a

Colorado Creative Industries-certified arts district lightly, thanks to the efforts of BreckCreate, a high-energy, nonprofit arts-programming machine that produces world-class, multidisciplinary happenings that keep Breck buzzing during the summer season.”

- Westword

MEDIA COVERAGE Breckenridge Creative Arts generated hundreds of thousands of earned media impressions through its highly visible media relations efforts, including more than 110 editorial placements in television, radio, magazine, newspaper and web outlets. The media coverage value is estimated to be $159,067 (online news/ blogs $23,885; print $96,182; television $27,000; radio $12,000).

Source: Cision Publicity value calculations are based on length of the story, the type of media in which it appeared and the number of impressions for the individual article.

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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

Creative Partners LIAM DORAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Media Partners supports the supports the

This activity is supported by funding from the Colorado Tourism office, a state agency.

Design GatherHouse Inc. Images Liam Doran, Jenise Jensen, Joe Kusumoto, and Carl Scofield.

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

Lodging Partner