A Conversation with Keri Dillingham, Executive Director of BCAH

By Bette Erickson

Much goodness came out of 2020, along with a number of nearly insurmountable challenges. On a pleasant afternoon just before Christmas, I had the opportunity to talk with Executive Director of the Broomfield Council on the Arts and Humanities (BCAH), Keri Dillingham.

I wanted to find out how her organization fared through the pandemic of the past year and where it’s headed.

Keri Dillingham, Executive Director of BCAH

“T his year has shown us more than ever that the arts are a great connector,” explained Dillingham. She’s been with BCAH for seven years. “We need the arts to awaken our smiles. BCAH works to make that happen. Having arts raises and awakens hope, not only now but for years to come.”

Before becoming executive director, she used her business background, marketing, and writing skills in other meaningful capacities. Dillingham has a bachelor’s degree in clinical psychology from CU Boulder. She has lived in Broomfield for 20 years.

BCAH lost its president and treasurer this past fall.

Sherill Bunetta was with BCAH for 25 years and her absence is palpable. She and Dillingham had a strong, mutually respectful working relationship and friendship.

Mrs. Bunetta died Oct. 24, leaving behind her husband, Ed, of 54 years. The couple lived in Broomfield since 1967 and raised their three kids here. Those who knew her valued her kind spirit.

“Losing Sherill thrust me into recognizing all that she’d done,” Dillingham shared. “Arts, culture, and science are essential to the community. With Sherill being gone, it’s proven to me that we need more volunteers.”

Since Sherill’s death Dillingham has picked up the role of doing financial reports. “We’re currently looking for a treasurer and bookkeeper,” Dillingham said. “Volunteers who are willing to contribute their accounting skills.”

Dillingham said one of her many goals for the organization is to remain sustainable first and to grow in getting a variety of diverse, creative programs.

“One of BCAH’s goals is to offer a creative community,” she explains. “A place for creative people and artists. One of our main focuses is to have a place for creatives (artists, performers, and inventors) to express themselves, and giving residents diverse experiences right here in their community.”

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has really cut into the charitable monetary donations that BCAH typically receives.

“Arts, culture, and science are essential to the community. With Sherill being gone, it’s proven to me that we need more volunteers.”

“I think that the sub-sector of the arts has seen a decrease in donations. We’ve worked really hard to increase our visibility in the community,” said Dillingham. To adapt, BCAH has provided numerous socially-distanced art events in the park, through virtual art shows, and including popular drive-thru events in 2020.

“It’s important for the community to know that we’re still here and still offering cultural events. We’ve done the best that we can to keep our cultural landscape alive in Broomfield.”

The Arts Council was founded in 1973 and was originally a city-funded organization. As Broomfield grew, BCAH became an independent non-profit. However, it is still a strong partner with the city, including supporting Broomfield Sister Cities and the annual Student Art Show organized with the recreation services department, among other programs.

BCAH serves as an umbrella organization for program management and delivery. Programs such as the Broomfield Days poster contest, Summer Sundays, Astor Women’s Choir, Broomfield Community Players, the Broomfield Film project, and by promoting various arts events in the city via its newsletter.

Now more than ever BCAH needs donor support. Because of the pandemic, dozens of 2020 events have been cancelled. The organization has successfully invested quite a bit of time engaging with people where the audience is – and sometimes that means at home via virtual events.

Donations support program administration costs, outreach events, newsletters, marketing, and grant writing.

As we wrapped up our conversation, Keri Dillingham and I promised to touch base in the near future and meet for a socially-distanced walk. Because that’s what she does: She’s a kind and friendly connector, both personally and professionally.

Keep the Arts Alive in Broomfield! For $25, donors receive voting privileges, newsletters, and discounts to programs. Visit www.ArtsInBroomfield.org to donate.

Bette Erickson writes about people, places, and events. Contact her at bette_erickson@hotmail.com with your story ideas.