Downtown serves as a central hub; as the artistic and historic heart of Colorado Springs. A major fine arts center, a regional history museum and a philharmonic orchestra with an 86-year track record help to define the downtown core.

Each month, First Friday Downtown features free gallery openings, artist receptions, and performances, hosted by 12 independent galleries. A mix of historic and contemporary architecture lines downtown’s major streets, and serves as the backdrop for Art on the Streets, a rotating exhibit of award-winning sculpture.  Locally owned stores and eateries reinforce the role of downtown as a one-of-a-kind cultural destination.

Designated by the State of Colorado as an Emerging Creative District in 2012, downtown Colorado Springs’ initial district planning has been driven by two goals: to develop and support downtown-specific resources for artists, and to fully integrate arts and culture into downtown’s brand.

With the help of Colorado Creative Industries’ creative district program, upcoming work will include a review of downtown’s existing strategic plans, in an effort to cull specific cultural opportunities. At the same time, focused work on a series of outdoor street performances and thought given to signage and wayfinding tools will enhance downtown Colorado Springs’ developing sense of place.