The process of enhancing, improving, or adorning to emphasize desirable features and/or to express significance, meaning, or value.
Priority Issues: Cultural expression, music, arts
Artspire NoCo
Artspire NoCo is dedicated to inspiring young minds and enriching lives through the performing and cultural arts. Based in Northern Colorado, it believes that every child deserves the chance to experience the wonder, creativity, and connection that the arts bring. Its volunteer board works closely with educators, artists, and community leaders to ensure that arts experiences continue to light the way for the next generation. Through performances, field trips, and community events, it opens doors to the arts for students of all backgrounds—helping them discover new possibilities, build confidence, and dream bigger.
Ballet Renaissance
Ballet Renaissance, translating literally from French as “Dance Rebirth,” is a publicly supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, committed to educating and inspiring youth and the community through the art of classical ballet. Established in June of 1997, in Detroit, Michigan, Ballet Renaissance originated when a group of college dance majors and graduates began presenting community performances focused on inspiring, uplifting, and uniting individuals through the transformative power and expression of dance. The group held a belief that “like casting a pebble on still water,” dance sends out ripples of creativity, generosity, and authenticity that can help heal and repair our world. In 2011, Ballet Renaissance expanded to northern Colorado. Ballet Renaissance seeks to eliminate financial barriers to exceptional training and offers year-round ballet classes and performance opportunities to dancers of all experience levels (ages 4+).
Colorado Open Lands
Colorado Open Lands is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit land trust that exists to protect Colorado’s land and water resources. It protects and restores open and working lands for the benefit of the people and wildlife of Northern Colorado. It works primarily with private landowners to place voluntary agreements called conservation easements on their property. The process is driven by the wishes of the landowner with the goal of protecting open space, water, and wildlife habitat—forever.
Fort Collins Symphony
The mission of the Fort Collins Symphony Association (FCS) is to inspire, engage, serve, and enrich the Northern Colorado community through exceptional musical performances and innovative outreach programs that resonate with audiences in meaningful, inclusive, and accessible ways. The programming of the FCS is designed to be relevant, prominently recognized, adequately funded, and reflective of the rapidly evolving demographics within the community.
Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures
The Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures brings the world’s traditions, stories, and artistic expressions to life. Through immersive exhibits, educational programs, and cultural events, it invites visitors to explore, connect, and celebrate the diversity of global cultures—right here in Northern Colorado.
Since its founding in 2006, the Global Village Museum has been a gateway to the world’s rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, art, and history. Its carefully curated exhibits showcase world folk art, fine art, artifacts, and musical instruments, offering visitors a deeper appreciation of diverse traditions.
It believes that learning about the world should be accessible to everyone. That’s why it collaborates with local collectors and global travelers to create dynamic exhibitions that tell their story, hosts engaging community events, and offers educational programs that expand cultural awareness.
Larimer Choral Society
The Larimer Choral Society (LCS) enriches the cultural life of Northern Colorado by providing accessible, high-quality choral music and opportunities for community connection through singing. It addresses barriers to arts access, social isolation, and limited opportunities for lifelong learning by offering inclusive, affordable choral programs for singers and audiences of all ages. Its work centers on two core programs. The Larimer Chorale, an auditioned semi-professional choir, performs major choral masterworks alongside approachable repertoire in live and livestreamed concerts with professional symphony musicians, expanding access to high-quality performances throughout the region. The Silvertones program offers a welcoming, non-audition choral experience for older adults, fostering social connection, supporting cognitive health, and enhancing overall well-being. Across all programs, it prioritizes affordability, outreach performances, and community partnerships to ensure broad participation. As it approaches its 50th anniversary, LCS aims to continue strengthening community bonds, expanding access to the arts, and enhancing quality of life through the power of choral music.
Museum of Art | Fort Collins
For more than 40 years, the Museum of Art | Fort Collins (MoA) has been a place where art and community meet. Today, guided by community voices, it strives to be a space where everyone feels welcome and connected.
At the heart of this work is MoA for All, a commitment to removing barriers and making art accessible, inclusive, and relevant. It addresses financial barriers by offering free admission to children, college students, veterans, and individuals using SNAP/EBT. It also dedicates more than 2,500 square feet of studio space to programs co-created with nonprofit partners, ensuring that art is not only accessible but personally meaningful. These collaborations invite people in through trusted relationships and create opportunities for expression, healing, and dialogue.
Together, it uses art as a bridge to spark dialogue, foster understanding, and strengthen a sense of belonging.
OpenStage Theatre & Company
OpenStage Theatre & Company connects Northern Colorado communities by providing exceptional live theater that captivates hearts and minds. For 53 years, OST&C has strived to tell stories that reflect the relative human experience of its audience base while exploring diverse themes and cultural attitudes. OpenStage operates year-round, producing four to six shows of various themes and content, from summer outdoor family-friendly experiences to cutting-edge dramas to sharp, crowd-pleasing comedies. OST&C offers free student-educator performances and a “pay-what-you-can” performance for each production in hopes of connecting audiences that would not otherwise have the opportunity to experience live theater. It believes that the arts are not just for or about an exclusive group of people, but that they are made by and for everyone.
