Colorado Summit Recognizes Art Has Economic Role

CARBONDALE, Colo. (AP) — Carbondale is using a gathering of creative Coloradoans to show off its artists and performers.

This Glenwood Springs Post Independent reports that this week's statewide summit is organized by the Creative Industries Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade. It is the fifth annual summit for the division, which promotes the arts as drivers of growth.

Program manager Christy Costello says summits in smaller communities can have big social and economic impact. In Carbondale, a town of about 26,000 people that is 170 miles west of Denver, summit participants and members of the public can attend an art walk, a concert and other events.

At this year's summit, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Folklórico artistic director Francisco "Paco" Nevarez-Burgueño will be among those recognized as creative leaders.