Every five years, Americans for the Arts conducts a national study measuring the economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture industry. The recently released results of Arts and Economic Prosperity 5 showed that in Colorado’s Pikes Peak Region, one of 341 study regions across the country, arts and culture nonprofits generated over $150 million in economic activity in 2015. Local leaders were thrilled by this result.

"I thought we would hit $100 million in economic impact, but was surprised we hit $150 million," said Andy Vick, executive director of the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region (the agency that collected local data). "This represents the success of the artists, arts organizations and audiences that are involved in the creative process, support arts organizations and volunteer."