In Culture: Denver's Creative Space Survey

In Culture: Denver's Creative Space Survey
by Lisa Gedgaudas

This could be your new home...

These things take time, but it’s a damn good start- would be the best way to start the conversation about Denver’s creative work and living space problems.

Last year Denver’s Office of Cultural Affairs and the County Cultural Council began conversations with Artspace Projects, Inc., a non-profit that thrives on developing creative spaces in cities nationwide. Artspace began in the late seventies and has since become a leader in this specific type of development, helping over 23 cities with great success.

This past fall, these organizations decided to move forward and conduct a study of creative space needs for arts organizations and creative businesses as well as individual artists in the seven-county metro Denver area. An extensive survey was put online to examine the needs of these people and identify their current state of business and the needs for space now and in the future.

This particular survey covered a lot of ground, and its objectives included, assessing the demand for creative space, articulating specific needs (amenities, design elements, etc.), and descriptions of what kind of artists or organizations they are. The survey was divided into two parts: 1) arts organizations and creative businesses, and 2) individual artists. After receiving this kind of information, Denver’s potential for creative space can go in many directions including, the development of affordable spaces, utilizing already establish or vacant facilities, as well as connecting these people to each other to help themselves.

On Wednesday, May 14th, The DOCA and DCCC along with Artspace presented the results of the Creative Space Survey in a town hall meeting held at the Oriental Theater. Over the months the surveys were completed by 356 representatives from arts organizations and creative businesses, and 610 individual artists. The response rate represented the second largest number of respondents for similar surveys in other national markets, according to Artspace Projects, Inc.

The following are some of the numbers that were found in each survey:

Survey of Arts Organizations and Creative Businesses

• 245 (69%) respondents are interested in utilizing space in a new facility or arts development
• Of the 245 arts organizations and creative businesses interested in space:
• 194 (79%) are interested in relocating to, expanding into or launching a new enterprise in a multiuse facility or arts development project in Denver; 178 (73%) are interested in renting space on a short-term or occasional basis
• 44 organizations would relocate to the City of Denver from other locations

Of organizations interested in relocation:
• 61% need administrative space
• 47% need gallery/exhibition space
• 45% need conference/meeting space
• 36% need specialized work space (e.g., woodshop)
• 35% need performance/production space

Survey of Individual Artists
• 362 (59%) artists are interested in relocating to a live/work Project
• 130 (21%) artists are interested in studio-only rental

Of artists interested in relocation:
• 41% of these artists do not have dedicated space for their art; 22% do not have the space that they need for their art
• 32% of the artists’ household incomes are at or below 60% of area median income (AMI)
• 30% can pay less than $800/month; 35% can pay $900-$1,200/month
• 177 (49%) artists earn less than 10% of their income from their primary art pursuits

Of artists interested in studio rental:
• 33% currently do not have space they use specifically for their arts activities
• 66% of artists require space of 500 square feet or less
• 90% of artists prefer to locate studios in Central Denver; 51% would locate to northwest Denver
• 47% can afford less than $250/month; 41% can afford between $350-$500/month

According to Peter Chapman, Executive Director of Seedco Financial-Denver, the survey response rate and subsequent results represent “an opportunity for lenders, foundations and policy makers to develop niche products and leverage investments in Denver’s creative sector to meet the untapped demand.”

To read more and see the full results go to:
www.denvergov.org/economicdevelopment/CreativeSpaceOnlineSurvey/tabid/43...

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Two cents:

Considering the number of respondents to this survey, and the loud voices and needs behind them, there was not a huge turn out at the Oriental. Sure, the results online now, but I think it becomes disheartening when we ask for a lot, and stand up for very little. For those of you that weren’t there, I’m sure you had your reasons- but kick yourselves a little, because in the end, it’s still up to you to be proactive and not just the person with the problem.

For the people that did come, I salute you. There were some head-strong and inquiring hands that were raised after the presentation. Some still blame the city for the lack of help, or the zoning laws- which is valid, but again, it’s easy to complain. It’s important to stay on task and take the necessary steps to change these things and put policy in place so they stick. The city can’t do everything, but this survey alone gives us the tools that we did not have before. Its evidence stating a great case for the bad shape Denver is in for space. It also starts a process, and it may take months or years to see the results - but it has to start somewhere. So, thank your city for it.

Some people can ask, “So, what’s the point…what will the city do with these number and how soon does it help me?”- but, it’s the wrong question. We have to turn in it back on ourselves and as they say, make a community effort of it.

In reality, developing a large scale facility could take 4-6 years, while as soon as next month an artists or organization can find a vacancy they didn’t know existed before.

Senior Economic Development Specialist for DOCA, Ginger White explained, “Acquiring this information is like throwing a pebble into a pool and waiting for the ripple effect…now we know what the gaps look like, and we will start to see small and large changes begin to take place. ”

Prioritizing. I think that is where this has to begin. We know by this survey, who these people are, what they need, and what they also have to offer. Now, we connect the dots, and start pulling it closer together one person at a time- but that person will have to stand up, show face and start the process too.

On the horizon, the city will be putting together a space-finder website, specific to this community and its needs for creative space- a great example of the help yourself system. Another great deed is the creative enterprise revolving loan fund that is available for these organizations and individuals. Other ways the city can get involved is to help with zoning laws- for the people that can’t even build a new studio in their own backyard.

These things take time, but with the will of this cities needs, there is a way, and we’ll just have to problem solve it together. It could be a new organization, or one that already exists that can rise up to help this task, or it could be the hundreds of us that do it for ourselves. In due time, space will come, affordability will exist, and policy can be in place for these needs.

“We are only limited now by our imagination.”

Keep going, keep talking, and keep showing up.